© trainspo.comBREL BR 421/3
Built by BREL
Overview of the BREL BR 421/3
Discover the BR 421/3, a classic Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) that served the United Kingdom's railways.
Built by BREL between 1964 and 1972 for British Railways Board, this robust train offered efficient electric traction.
With a top speed of 145 km/h and a standard gauge of 1435 mm, the BR 421/3 provided reliable service. Its electric systems operated on 750 V DC via a third rail, a common setup for many UK lines.
Between 1986 and 1988, a significant refurbishment brought the BR 421/3 up to date, enhancing its operational capabilities for many more years of service.
Each car measures 20.25 meters in length, with a width of 2.82 meters and a height of 3.89 meters, reflecting its solid and practical design for passenger transport.
BREL BR 421/3 technical specifications
| Value | Imperial / US | |
|---|---|---|
| Series | BR 421 | |
| Built by | BREL · 1964–1972 | |
| Refurbished | 1986 - 1988 (10) | |
| Top speed | 145 km/h90 mph | |
| Electric systems |
| |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mmStandard gauge4 ft 8½ in | |
| Car length | 20.25 m66 ft 5 in | |
| Width | 2.82 m9 ft 3 in | |
| Height | 3.89 m12 ft 9 in |
Operators of the BREL BR 421/3
Railway companies that have operated the BR 421/3, with the class designation used by each of them.
| Operator | Class | Country |
|---|---|---|
| British Railways Board | BR 421/3 | United Kingdom |
More electric multiple units from BREL

BREL
BR 421/2
Electric multiple unit
1964–1972 · 145 km/h

BREL
BR 421/7
Electric multiple unit
1964–1972 · 145 km/h

BREL
BR 423
Electric multiple unit
1967–1974 · 140 km/h

BREL
BR 423/1
Electric multiple unit
1967–1974 · 140 km/h

BREL
BR 442
Electric multiple unit
160 km/h · 1,200 kW

BREL
BR 312/2
Electric multiple unit
1975–1978 · 145 km/h

BREL
BR 313/0
Electric multiple unit
1976–1977 · 121 km/h

BREL
British Rail Class 507
Electric multiple unit
1978–1980 · 121 km/h
Similar electric multiple units from other manufacturers

Hunslet Engine
BR 323
Electric multiple unit
145 km/h · 1,168 kW

ACEC
FAS ALe 056
Electric multiple unit
143 km/h · 620 kW

ACEC
SNCB AM73 CR
Electric multiple unit
140 km/h · 620 kW

Allan
NS ELD2
Electric multiple unit
140 km/h · 796 kW

Alstom
Z 23500
Electric multiple unit
140 km/h · 1,500 kW

CAF
Izban E22000
Electric multiple unit
140 km/h · 1,620 kW

CIMT
Z 5600
Electric multiple unit
140 km/h · 3,000 kW

DUEWAG
Plan V
Electric multiple unit
140 km/h · 1,400 kW