British Rail Class 450
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| British Rail Class 450 "Desiro" | |
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 450083 at Waterloo |
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| In service | 2003 - Current |
| Manufacturer | Siemens AG |
| Family name | Desiro |
| Number built | 127 trainsets |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Operator | South West Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 100mph (161 km/h) |
| Weight | Total: 170 tonnes |
| Braking system | Air, regenerative |
The British Rail Class 450 third rail DC EMU began service during 2003. They are a part of the Siemens Desiro modular train family and are more popularly known as the 'blue desiro'. In standing with requirements of all new rolling stock for the South East region, provision has been made for future conversion to 25 kV AC overhead supply or dual voltage, although at present no trains have been fitted with a pantograph. Used for outer suburban services, the Class 450 is fitted with Standard and First accommodation. The unit has a maximum speed of 100 mph.
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[edit] Introduction
In April 2001 785 vehicles were ordered by South West Trains in order to complete the replacement of its slam door rolling stock. Introduction to service was delayed by the required power supply upgrades capable of powering the new trains. In the December 2004 timetable change the Class 450 began serving most intended routes, although introduction was delayed until June 2005 in some areas. The units are leased by Angel Trains to South West Trains.
68 new vehicles were ordered by South West Trains as a replacement to the growth order which was diverted to form the Class 350 range of electric multiple units.
The automated announcements of South West Trains' Desiro units feature a female voice - that of Celia Drummond of Northern Line fame - as opposed to the original voice of Phil Sayer, who will remain on the platforms.
[edit] Formation
The entire Class 450 series consists of four car multiple units, semi permanently formed as DMSO(A)+TCOL+TOSLWB+DMSO(B). Units are numbered in the range 450001-110.
- 63201-63300 and 63751-63760 - DMSO(A)
- 64201-64300 and 66851-66860 - TCOL
- 68101-68200 and 66801-66810 - TOSLWB
- 63601-63700 and 63701-63710 - DMSO(B)
[edit] Operations
The 450s mainly operate outer suburban services from London Waterloo, as well as local services outside of the London area. These include:
- London Waterloo to Alton
- London Waterloo to Basingstoke (all stations from Woking)
- London Waterloo to Reading (Most services operated by Class 458)
- London Waterloo to Poole (a duty shared between 444/450 units)
- London Waterloo to Weybridge (via Hounslow)
- London Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside
- London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour
- Ascot to Guildford
- Portsmouth & Southsea/Portsmouth Harbour to Southampton Central (all stations)
They can also be found on inner-suburban services, usually operated by Class 455 units, particularly in the peaks and on Sundays during periods of engineering work.
Somewhat controversially 450's are now being used on the Portsmouth Direct Line for London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour services in place of class 444 units. The decision to use 450's has been a cause for complaint from passengers specifically because of the 3+2 seating arrangement[1].
[edit] The Class 450/2 & more orders
Originally, SWT’s order with Siemens was for 100 four-car sets (the current 450/0) and for 32 five-car sets which would be for inner-suburban use. The SRA, however, did not agree to the terms required, such as the lengthening of platforms and changes to railway infrastructure. As a result the 32 five-car sets were cancelled and an extra 10 four-car sets were added to the order. The SRA took the opportunity to order 30 four-car sets of the dual-voltage Class 350.
More recently, SWT have received the order of a further 17 four-car sets. This brings the total number of Class 450 units up to 127. These units were delivered in 2006, not long after the last of the first order is delivered. 450101 was damaged in Belgium and returned to Wildenrath to have repairs conducted by Siemens, therefore delaying its entry in to the UK. 450101 arrived in the country on May 24, 2006 and was briefly in service on June 5, 2006. The train started working full time on June 7, 2006.
[edit] Class 450/5 modifications
In January 2008 a fleet of modified 450/0 sets were re-numbered in the 450/5 series, for use on services between Waterloo and Windsor. They have had their first class seating removed and replaced with 2+3 formation standard class seating, and some other seats have been removed to provide more standing capacity; extra handrails have also been provided. The numbers modified are 450043 to 450070, which have become 450543 to 450570 respectively. The upgrades have been carried out at Bournemouth[2].
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Commuter protest over rail seats. BBC News Online (2007-01-22). Retrieved on 2008-01-29.
- ^ High capacity Class 450 Desiro sets enter traffic. TheRailwayCentre.com (2008-01-24). Retrieved on 2008-01-29.
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