Class 442s to rise from the dead?

[snoggle]

Alliance Rail are proposing an "open access" service from Waterloo to Southampton initially using the Class 442 EMUs made surplus from the GTR franchise.



www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/southampton-london-open-access-service-proposed.html

Off peak service initially but peak jnys could be added after 2018 once the major works at Waterloo are completed. Can't see Stagecoach or First Group / MTR liking this one little bit. I imagine the DfT are probably impersonating Munch's "The Scream".

[snowman]

Class 442 is one of my favourites, remember when I first saw 422001 (in NSE silver, brand new with double guards van on test at New Milton)


I believe 18 are in store, and GTR has kept 6 for now for peak hour Eastbourne trains.


Perhaps GWR should order some class 88s (built by Stadler who bought Vosslok Espana, like ones DRS is getting), and use them with demotored 442s for their deferred electrification sections. Quite a meaty 4MW (5364hp) on electric power (but only 708KW (949hp) in diesel mode)

[snoggle]

Nov 8, 2016 15:20:14 GMT snowman said:

Class 442 is one of my favourites, remember when I first saw 422001 (in NSE silver, brand new with double guards van on test at New Milton)

When Network Southeast had a special event at Waterloo with all sorts of trains on display including several in NSE livery.


Class 442 Waterloo by plcd1, on Flickr

[sid]

Nov 8, 2016 15:20:14 GMT snowman said:

Class 442 is one of my favourites, remember when I first saw 422001 (in NSE silver, brand new with double guards van on test at New Milton)


I believe 18 are in store, and GTR has kept 6 for now for peak hour Eastbourne trains.


Perhaps GWR should order some class 88s (built by Stadler who bought Vosslok Espana, like ones DRS is getting), and use them with demotored 442s for their deferred electrification sections. Quite a meaty 4MW (5364hp) on electric power (but only 708KW (949hp) in diesel mode)

Likewise and anything that keeps the 442's going is fine by me!

[YY13VKP]

I never really liked the 442's to be honest. I didn't like the front end of the units, nor the compressor but I do like the interior's and they have this airy sound inside that make it sound cosy onboard.

[ServerKing]

Nov 9, 2016 22:26:08 GMT YY13VKP said:

I never really liked the 442's to be honest. I didn't like the front end of the units, nor the compressor but I do like the interior's and they have this airy sound inside that make it sound cosy onboard.

They are based on the older Class 432's built in the 60s, they salvaged all the English Electric motors and Westinghouse compressors and reused them, so in effect 1960's kit with a 1988 body design! The "Pigs" have done well, having outlived their other slam door relatives

[MoEnviro]

Today was the Class 442 Farewell Railtour, pics.

The Tour consisted of two Class 442 units (442402 and 442408) working from London Victoria to Beckenham Junction, Streatham Hill Up Siding, London Victoria, Fast to Three Bridges, Three Bridges Down Thameslink Sidings and onto Brighton.

442408 was then detached and was replaced by loco 73202 which piloted 442402 around Preston Park Sidings, Hove Yard, Brighton and Lovers Walk Depot.

The Units then re-formed back into 10 car formation before heading back to Three Bridges Up Thameslink Sidings, Selhurst Depot Arrival, New Cross Up Sussex Loop and London Bridge. Then back out to East Croydon and up into London Victoria for a quick shunt out to Stewarts Lane Depot and Back.