Third-rail locomotives

[mallard]

I always thought that "Multiple Unit" basically meant "distributed traction" i.e. there are multiple traction units in a (fixed formation) train. Of course, single units slightly (121s, 153s) fall foul of this definition as do units with a single power vehicle (VEPs, 321s, etc.).

Guess I'm not really sure what MU means then!

 

[Schnellzug]

Let's ask the oracle...

"The term multiple unit or MU is used to describe a self-propelled carriages capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still being controlled from one driving cab. The term is commonly used to denote passenger trainsets consisting of more than one carriage. Single self-propelling carriages (also called railcars, rail motor coaches or railbuses) can be referred to as multiple units if capable of operating with other units."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_unit

 

[starrymarkb]

How did I miss the 73s?

Interesting to see the debate over whether Eurostars are MUs or not - the way I look at it is that if the main 'carriage' that is hauling the train has passengers during regular service, then it is not a locomotive but a unit, hence 73s are locos (although there is a place where passengers could go, they generally don't) and therefore the Eurostars are too (that is probably the wrong way to look at it, and I expect that some more learnéd members may prove me wrong by naming a locomotive that does/did have passenger seating in it, but hey ho!)

(Incidentally, does that make the restored GWR railmotor an SMU?)

Is this a Unit or Locomotive
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Sbb_rbe540.jpg/800px-Sbb_rbe540.jpg

In some cases these Swiss Railcars will run around their train like a locomotive. BTW - That thing has 2660hp! More then an HST powercar

 

[brad465]

Eurostars used to run on third rail, then st pancras and section 2 of hs1 was built, and all the shoes on the stock was removed, so now they only have pantographs.

 

[Oracle]

I recall that there were Pressed Steel railcars used on Paddington-Hayes & Harlington and -Greenford services that operated also with single-car unpowered trailers. I saw one once used as a 'shunter' with a p/way hopper wagon in Southall Yard.

Of course we also had the SR MLVs that could be coupled as a luggage van on trains, or coupled together, or be used as locomotives to tow wagons. With batteries they could run off-juice as well.

 

[es373]

Hasn't this turned into a fascinating thread; we'll be arguing about what the meaning of is is next . So an Eurostar should strictly be a EFFT, then (Electric Fixed Formation Train).

Not quite. As I stated earlier that they can be split in 3 areas. Should all of the bogies be articulated then yes it would be an EFFT.

 

[Smudger105e]

Of course we also had the SR MLVs that could be coupled as a luggage van on trains, or coupled together, or be used as locomotives to tow wagons. With batteries they could run off-juice as well.

MLV's were also the only SR Units fitted with vacuum brake equipment, including exhausters.

 

[Oracle]

...and they (from memory) could couple between air-braked and vacuum-braked stock, thus 'converting' the two systems.

 

[fairysdad]

Is this a Unit or Locomotive
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Sbb_rbe540.jpg/800px-Sbb_rbe540.jpg

In some cases these Swiss Railcars will run around their train like a locomotive. BTW - That thing has 2660hp! More then an HST powercar

Stop messing with my view of the world please!!! If I had seen that without being told, I'd assume it was a unit. In fact, I'm not entirely sure that you're not messing with me...

Actually, looking it up on Wikipedia, they claim it to be an Electric Multiple Unit, but actually it does look like a loco but with passengers, and you can't always trust what's on Wikipedia

 

[mallard]

Stop messing with my view of the world please!!! If I had seen that without being told, I'd assume it was a unit. In fact, I'm not entirely sure that you're not messing with me...

Well, if you really want to confuse the definition of a "Multiple Unit", how about classes 438 and 488!

I suppose a 438 could be considered an "unpowered multiple unit" (UMU?) since it has cabs, but 488s were really "just" Mk2 carriages.