World’s Fastest Diesel-powered Train : 8 Things To Know About Lagos Red Line Rail “InterCity 125”

World’s fastest Diesel-powered Train : Eight (8) things to know about Lagos Red Line Rail “InterCity 125” High Speed Train.

Last month, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) announced the commencement of trial runs for the Red Line Rail project, ahead of start of passenger operations in the last quarter of 2024.

The Red Line Rail Project is expected to reduce travel times between Agbado and Oyingbo to just 55 minutes from close to three hours. During the trial runs, there will be 4 trips per day – which will be carried out with the British Rail Class 43 (HST) train.

Below are 8 things to know about the British Rail Class 43 (HST) train brought to you by Autojosh.

1. Class 43 (HST) is the TOPS classification used for the InterCity 125 High Speed Train built by British Rail Engineering Limited from 1975 to 1982, and in service in the UK since 1976.

2. The class is officially the fastest diesel locomotive in the world, with an absolute maximum speed of 148.5 mph (239.0 km/h).

• See Also : Photos : Lagos Blue Line Providing Safe And Speedy Ride To Lagosians Since September 2023

3. It has a regular service speed of 125 mph (201 km/h) and a absolute maximum speed of 148.5 mph (239.0 km/h).

4. The InterCity 125 High Speed train (HST) boasts a distinctive wedge-shaped nose cone. Its derived from its top operational speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).

5. During the trial runs, LAMATA will limit its operational speed to 50 mph due to regulations set by the National Railway Corporation (NRC).

6. It offers comfortable seat for 60 passengers per coach for shorter trips, and up to 150 people, including standing passengers, for intra-city commute.

7. A total of 95 sets were produced from 1975 to 1982, each comprising two Class 43 power cars, one at each end, and a rake of seven or eight Mark 3 coaches.

8. After years of storage, shipments of retired but now upgraded UK trains began in 2020s to Africa and Central America, where they returned to passenger services.

• See Also : LAMATA Begins Red Line Trial Run Ahead Of Start Of Passenger Operations In The Last Quarter Of 2024