British Rail Class 503 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 503
A British Rail Class 503 train on the Liverpool Loop and Link underground system. This train was one of the original batch built by the LMS in 1938.
In service	1938-1985
Manufacturer	London, Midland and Scottish Railway, British Railways
Formation	power car + trailer + driving trailer
Operator(s)	LMS and British Railways
Specifications
Car length	58ft 0in
Width	9ft 11in
Height	11ft 10 1/4in
Maximum speed	70mph (110 km/h)
Weight	Total - 77 tons
Power output	4 x 135 hp traction motors total 540 hp (403 kW)
Electric system(s)	650V dc third rail
Track gauge	standard gauge

British Rail Class 503 trains were 70mph (110km/h) electric multiple units. They were introduced in two batches — in 1938 by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) with a further batch (built to a similar design) in 1956 by the then nationalised British Railways (BR).

Images for kids

• 

  A 1938 unit stands at the platform, next to two later 1956 units in the sidings, at West Kirby, in 1982.

• 

  A six-car set at Rock Ferry, in 1983.

• 

  A preserved signboard from the Class 503 farewell tour, at the Wirral Transport Museum, Birkenhead. Although the six BR manufacturer's plates remain on the board, the six LMS plates have been removed.

• 

  The preserved LMS Wirral and Mersey unit at the Electric Railway Museum, Coventry.