29th August – Class 442 Charter: Waterloo to Poole

Times are now available on real times trains for the class 442 charter 29th August.

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/trai...08/29/advanced

http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/trai...08/29/advanced

 

The three letter code used for Poole is very appropriate

 

Whose charter is it?

 

It's Rail Operations group: http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk/railops-tour-1/

I was wondering what the state of the 442's will be in 'the two units that will form this service are confirmed as either 442403, 442415 and/or 442418. These units are currently in store and it is highly unlikely that they will work on the main line (particularly on their former SWT route) again'. Does anyone know how long these units have been withdrawn for and what state they will be in?

 

The latest Rail magazine shows 'stored' 442's being run out by the Rail operations group to keep them in operable condition. It would seem all are being kept in warm store to enable quick reactivation should a use be found for them.

 

Re lack of future use - Why were the 442s taken out of service in the first place?


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The loss of the stylish and fast 442s was a real loss to the SW main line. Having Mk 3 body shells, they were way more comfortable than any other electric units before or since. More remarkable was that their powerful traction motors and other electrical gear was recovered from 4REP electric units built in the 1960s. Ironically however, the major drawback was the Mk 3 body shell itself and that it had relatively narrow single doors at the ends of each carriage. The SW main line is primarily a route for shifting lots of commuters to and from London and the passenger loading time through these doors, and even narrower internal doors, became a major issue. They were replaced by class 444s with singe doors slightly inboard of the ends of the carriage ends but with far wider vestibules to allow faster loading and unloading. In fairness, the 444s are worthy replacements but still don't have the style of 442s. Just a real shame that they can't be put to good use somewhere, if not on the 3rd rail then push pull with a locomotive.

 

A class 442 also holds the world speed record for 3rd rail traction at 108 mph.

 

Only snag I found was from the air bag suspension. Could induce sea sickness symptoms on the long fast run to London. More comfy though than the later sets we have now. Guess the operational point made was valid though. Doubt there are paths to run the old 91 Bournemouth, Southampton Waterloo only fasts. Too many stops east of Bournemouth these days.


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New class 387/2's have been brought into service on the Gatwick Express, which are arguably more suited to this work with wider vestibules and doors than the 442's which were never designed for that route.

 

They were taken out of service by SWT as a cost cutting exercise at the suggestion of the SRA or DFT combined with the introduction of the 444 & 450 fleets. Gatwick Express/Southern have had problems maintaining the camshaft controllers and non standard dc traction motors. Most of the fitters who knew the tricks of the trade have now retired.... Apart from the 455's, they are the last example of Southern "make do and mend" reusing traction motors and camshaft controllers.

Keeping at least some units in "warm store" could be an insurance for the last 6 units left with Southern for peak hour workings.

A great pity that they have largely been withdrawn, they showed what could be achieved for a stylish and fast emu in this country. The trouble is they are not suited to semi fast services stopping every 15 minutes.

Cheers, Neil

 

How feasible would it be to add transformers and pantographs?

 

I suspect that such mods would leave only the bodyshell and internal fittings, seats etc, from the old units

Apart from the transformers and pan you would need

• new motors - probably AC
• Complete new solid state control system
• complete rewire
• Convert hotel load to AC from DC - new MG sets?

All the design work for a handful of units plus the mods may not be cost effective and would our northern friends look favorably on yet more second hand southern stock in addition to 319s?

 

A short video of the pair passing through Rowlands Castle this morning.

Enjoy!

 

On time at St Denys in the return. Just like old times. Anybody know the unit numbers?

 

2418 leading with 2415 on the return.

 

Apologies in advance but I really don't get it. These are images of electric trains which you can see everyday to Waterloo. I travel regularly to London on business and I cannot fathom out what the excitement is all about. I will admit that just for a few minutes at the weekend, I thought the headline was "4472 Charter" i.e. Flying Scotsman, albeit with its old number. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was when I realised it was an electric train tour. Oh well, each to his own. I prefer to wallow in a fantastic tour with 46233 on the Royal Duchy to Cornwall on Sunday. Now, that is what I could a magical railtour.

 

What about a tour with the VEP?

 

VEP? There are many who would prefer to watch paint dry. How about VEST? Very exciting Steam Train. YES!!

 

railways are a very diverse collection of items with different people interested in some or all parts. My view is don't knock the bits you don't like as there are others who may well knock the bits you enjoy