British Rail Class 450
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Image:UK450015.jpg Image:450 060 and another 450.jpg Image:Class 450 Waterloo.jpg The British Rail Class 450 third rail DC EMU began service during 2004. They are a part of the Siemens Desiro modular train family. 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 is expected to be 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. Out of the newly ordered units, 11 have now arrived and have all been to Bournemouth depot for commissioning.
[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:
- Waterloo to Alton
- Waterloo to Basingstoke
- Waterloo to Reading
- Waterloo to Southampton Central (a duty shared between 442/444/450 units)
- Waterloo to Weybridge (via Hounslow)
- Waterloo to Windsor and Eton Riverside
- Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour via Basingstoke
- Waterloo to Wareham (early morning only)
- Basingstoke to Brighton (via Fareham)
- Ascot to Guildford
- Portsmouth to Southampton
- Wareham to Brockenhurst
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.
[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 placed an order for a further 17 four-car sets to enable replacement of the Class 458 "Juniper" units currently used on Reading–Waterloo services. This brings the total number of Class 450 units up to 127. These units are scheduled for delivery later this year, 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 2006May 24 and was briefly in service on 2006June 5. The train started working full time on 2006June 7.
[edit] External links
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