British Rail Class AM1
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Class AM1 was allocated to the prototype 25 kV AC electric multiple units, converted from fourth-rail DC electric stock in 1952 and used on the Lancaster/Morecambe/Heysham route. This route had been electrified by the Midland Railway at 6.6 kV AC, but the equipment was replaced with 25 kV AC overhead electrification and reopened in 1953 to test the prototype AM1 stock.
The line was closed to passengers and the stock withdrawn in early 1966. Unlike classes AM2-AM11, which became TOPS Classes 302-311, class AM1 was withdrawn before it could take its place in the system as class 301. However, it was the success of these tests that contributed to the decision to choose 25 kV AC overhead electrification as standard in Great Britain outside the Southern Region.
[edit] Previous use
The carriages converted to form the prototype units were drawn from former LNWR electric units built in 1914 by the Metropolitan Carriage, Wagon & Finance Company for use on the West London line fourth-rail DC electrification. They had been stored early in World War II after the West London route on which they worked was closed to passengers due to bomb damage.
[edit] Formations
Unit numbers were not allocated, but sets were referred to by the last two digits of the DMBSO number. The numbers of individual carriages were:
| DMBSO | TSO | DTSO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set 19 | M28219M | M29721M | M29021M |
| Set 20 | M28220M | M29722M | M29022M |
| Set 21 | M28221M | M29723M | M29023M |
| Set 22 | M28222M | M29724M | M29024M |
