British Rail Class 116

British Rail Class 116
Class 116 waiting at Barry Island in 1985.
Interior.
In service	1961–1990
Manufacturer	BR Derby
Constructed	1957–1961
Number built	DMBS: 108 DMS: 108 TC: 94
Formation	2 or 3 cars per trainset
Capacity	DMBS: 85 second DMS: 95 second TC: 28 first, 74 second
Operator(s)	British Rail
Specifications
Car length	64 ft 0 in (19.51 m)
Width	9 ft 3 in (2.82 m)
Height	12 ft 4 1⁄2 in (3.77 m)
Maximum speed	70 mph (113 km/h)
Weight	Power cars: 36 long tons 0 cwt (80,600 lb or 36.6 t), Trailer cars: 28 long tons 10 cwt (63,800 lb or 29 t)
Prime mover(s)	Two BUT of 150 hp (112 kW) per power car
Power output	600 hp (447 kW) per set
Multiple working	■ Blue Square
Track gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)

The British Rail Class 116 diesel multiple units were built by BR Derby from 1957 to 1961.

These units were originally ordered for use on suburban and local services in the Birmingham area, but many found their way to other areas such as South Wales.

The class were similar in design to the Class 114, but were fitted out as high density sets, built for short distance, high capacity services, and so were built without gangways or toilets, although gangways were later fitted on some units. They were originally capable of accommodating 262 passengers.

These units stayed in regular service until 1990, when they began to be withdrawn from traffic. They were replaced on regional services by the new "Sprinter" derivative units, or by Class 323 electric multiple units on services around Birmingham. The final units lasted in traffic until 1995, although a few saw further use in departmental service, as sandite or route-learner units. Several of this class have been saved for preservation.

Three units were converted to carry parcels traffic and reclassified as Class 130, though the individual coaches were not renumbered. The units involved were:

To provide extra capacity, they worked with modified General Utility Vans (GUV) as centre trailers.

5 vehicles have been preserved on heritage railways.