Recognition and Equipment information
	Class 458 (4-JOP)

8n eight car formation of Class 458 'Juniper' stock passes Wimbledon West with a Waterloo-Alton line service. These Alstom-built sets have a protracted introduction due to many serious technical problems and in early 2002 were still not fully in service. All 30 sets are allocated to east Wimbledon and the units should operate on the Waterloo-Guildford/Alton and Reading lines. All sets are painted in the latest South West Trains livery. CJM

The front end of the Class 458s incorporates a door to enable between unit communication. The requirement for this led to a very unusual design of front end when viewed alongside other Alstom 'Juniper' products of the same period. Behind the two hinged doors is a retractable corridor connection. Physical, pneumatic and electrical connections are by an auto coupler, while front/rear illumination is by a head, marker and tail light group on each side. A roof mounted hi-intensity marker light is located above the corridor connection. A route indicator is provided using dot matrix display above the front door. Set No. (45)8005 is illustrated at Waterloo. CJM

PTSOL No. 74002 of set 8002 shows the one third and two third door layout and the standard body design used for all suburban 'juniper' products. This vehicle has a low roof section at one end, where a pantograph unit could be installed if the set were to be modified for ac/dc operation. Internal wiring is present for ac operation at a future date if needed. CJM

The very camped driving cab of a Class 458. The view ahead is slightly restricted by the corridor connection. In common with other modern classes, the power/brake controller is operated by the drivers left hand. CJM

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