Recognition and Equipment information
	Class 442 (5-WES)

Showing the as-built Network SouthEast livery, a rake of Wessex stock passes through the New Forest near Brockenhurst soon after delivery. One design problem with these sets from new was a tendency for the front door covers to slide open when in traffic and the hinged covers of the multiple control connection to become defective and removed. Set No. 2402 is illustrated from its standard class end, which was usually at the west end of formations. CJM

With the 5-Wes sets being the flagship of South West Trains services after privatisation, a set soon emerged in an early version of SWT livery, shown here on set 2417 at Waterloo. In reality this was little more than a recast of the NSE livery with an orange band. CJM

The latest South West Trains blue, white, orange and red 'swirl' livery is now standard for the Wessex fleet, shown here on set 2408 at Southampton Airport, viewed from the London or first class end. As well as working the waterloo-Southampton-Bournemouth-Weymouth line, the Wessex Electric sets also operate on the fast Waterloo-Portsmouth services. CJM.

Wessex stock interior. On the left we see the standard class 2+2 layout, the interior is very similar to the Mk3 loco hauled builds. On the right is the first class interior, showing the open section of the London end driving car with two bays of seats around tables, the rest of the first class seating is in 6-seat compartments. Both: CJM

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