Train Numbers

Discussion in 'Off Topic' started by warpshell, May 22, 2025.

  1. warpshell

    warpshell Well-Known Member

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    How do train numbers work? I recently was using a class 66 and the number on the front was 66204 or something like that, so does the number relate to the class?

    And are carrage numbers different?
     
  2. marcsharp2

    marcsharp2 Well-Known Member

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    For Locos the first two numbers are type of loco, the last three are the individual number for that loco, so 66001, 47581, 37800 etc etc
     
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  3. Tank621

    Tank621 Well-Known Member

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    Basically, every rail vehicle has its own number with locos having the first two dedicated to class while multiple units have six digit numbers with the first three being the class.

    Sometimes the first digit after the class denotes a subclass, for example the Class 66/6, which is geared for heavier loads at lower speeds (I think).

    Wagons and coaches have numbers as well, and even individual vehicles of multiple units

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bri...nd_multiple_unit_numbering_and_classification
     
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  4. TSW Nathan

    TSW Nathan Well-Known Member

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    Most modern day trains have 3 numbers.
    For example,
    Class 380
    Class 377
    Class 800

    An example of this is class 385 114

    The first "1" in "114" indicated that it is a class 385/1 sub class meaning in this case it has 4 coaches instead of 3.

    Each subclass means different things but the numbering system is usually the same all round.

    Hope this helps. :)
     
  5. Gianluca

    Gianluca Well-Known Member

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    I know there are also numbers on passenger coaches that indicates the country they are from, 83 is Italy, the number 61 means the coach is able to do international services
     

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  6. fabdiva

    fabdiva Well-Known Member

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    Varies by country - in the UK the first 3 digits of a set or loco number (Locos tend to leave off the leading zero) indicate the type, and last 3 run sequentially - Variations usually see things jump to the next 100.

    EMUs and DMUs will also have unique vehicle numbers - most are 5 digit but newer are 6 digit - You may also see 11 Digit European Vehicle Numbers on some builds - this is also known as the UIC number (International Union of Railways) and has a type and country code before the domestic number.
     

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