British Rail Class 304

The British Rail Class 304 was a type of electric multiple unit. They were built for suburban use on the first phases of the West Coast Main Line electrification between Crewe and Manchester/Liverpool/Rugby. They were at first classed as AM4 units and later became Class 304 under the TOPS numbering system. They could be found in operation over most of the southern West Coast Main Line. The units conformed to the 1959-design for alternating current (AC) electrical multiple units, and were externally very similar to the Class 305, Class 308 and the 1,200 V direct current (DC) class Class 504 units. No units survived preservation, and all units were eventually scrapped.

British Rail Class 304
BR multiple unit at Altrincham station - geograph.org.uk - 199795.jpg
A Class 304 EMU seen at Altrincham railway station
In service1959 - 1996
ManufacturerBR Wolverton
Refurbishment1980
Formation4 cars per trainset
OperatorBritish Rail
Specifications
Maximum speed75mph 121km/k
WeightTotal - 151tons 17cwt
Braking system(s)Air (EP/Auto)