Is there a website that shows the different classes of train?

[trainophile]

As the heading says, is there a website to help me identify the different classes of trains in the UK just from their 3-digit numbers, e.g. 142... etc.? I can Google Image individual ones but wondered if there's anywhere that has them all in one place, for ease of reference?

Images and/or details of what distinguishes each type of train would be really helpful to users of this forum who are not in the industry but keep seeing these numeric train descriptors on here, and are interested in their variations. I tried Googling but wasn't sure what to put in the search box!

 

[Yew]

Wikipedia is pretty good for this. most of the info is usually right too

 

[ryan125hst]

Wikipedia is pretty good for this. most of the info is usually right too

You've just beaten me to it! I was just about to say that there are pages on Wikipedia listing them with an image. This also has the advantage that almost all of them have a link to a page about that class of train.

Locomotives: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...raction_locomotive_classes#Diesel_locomotives

Diesel Multiple Units: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_Rail_diesel_multiple_unit_classes

Electric Multiple Units: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_British_Rail_electric_multiple_unit_classes

Not all of the trains listed are still in operation however. This is useful though if you want to find out about trains of the past.

 

[trainophile]

Thanks both . I never thought of wiki.

 

[trentside]

Well, you learn something new everyday - I must've looked at those lists a few hundred times to find out one thing or another, but have never noticed (or heard of) the Southern Railway 4DD double deck units.

 

[Manchester77]

it's easier to remember modern TOPS classes instead of a BR Derby Lightweight etc

SR designations have mostly been repeated in TOPS - 401 4Bil but i personally find TOPS easiest to remember

 

[jsimpson]

not a website but I recently bought this book and have found it really useful:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1908397136/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

 

[1018509]

WNXX is good for this. Shows pictures of long since scrapped loco's too.

 

[LE Greys]

Similarly, Platform 5 produce a good line of books, covering all active classes and one for preserved stock.

I've always preferred the alpha code for Southern Region stock, and went so far as to start making them up for new classes, so a 465 will always be a 4-NET to me. You can probably find references to them on here if you look hard enough.

 

[newbryford]

Try this:
http://www.railway-centre.com/traction-recognition.html

Cheers,
Mick