CLASS 445 and 446 (4-PEP and 4-PEP)
| The
first plans for 'new' generation electric multiple unit stock were put forward
during the late 1960s, as many of the current types would be scheduled for
replacement in the near future. In 1970, a decision was made to construct
a prototype electric multiple unit, which would incorporate a number of
basic design changes from previous stock, to operate on the Southern Region.
Two 4-coach and one 2-coach unit were built and the design was a total change.
Sliding doors, and low-back 2 + 2 seating, with a sloping body profile at
the bottom, were provided for passengers. Front end design differed from
previous practice, no side buffers were provided, all end stresses being
transmitted through a central coupling which also included air and electrical
connections. Passenger accommodation was in open layout coaches with seats
in the 2 + 2 configuration with large gangways, providing 68 seats in driving
cars and 72 seats in intermediate vehicles. Passenger access was by double-leaf
sliding doors, two pairs each side on driving cars and three on intermediate
vehicles, and although doors were under the supervisory control of the guard,
they could be opened by passengers. Another break from previous SR practice
was for all the vehiles to be powered, thus providing a high acceleration
rate; a basic requirement for a modern reliable railway. Braking was provided
by the standard EP system, as well as a rheostatic unit which used current
generated during acceleration for speed retardation. The first 'new' generation evaluation set, classified by the Southern Region as PEP, was four car unit No. 4001, which arrived on theSouthern Region in May 1971. By the end of the year, it was joined by sister set No. 4002, and commenced an intensive series of test runs, firstly on the Alton line and later in passenger service on the Waterloo to Shepperton, Hampton Court and Chessington routes. During 1972, the two coach set, No. 2001, emerged and, rather surprisingly, was left in unpainted aluminium. After testing, this set of vehicles took up trial running together with the four car units. In 1972, a reformation of vehicles took place and one of the unpainted aluminium cars found its way into a four car set. By 1974, the two car set, now sporting one blue and one aluminium coach, was transferred to the Railway Technical Centre (RTC) at Derby, where an additional unpowered trailer, fitted with a pantograph, was constructed for test running on both the Eastern and Scottish Regions, to pave the way for the eventual introduction of Class 313 and 314 sets. The two four car units continued to operate on the South Western Division until October 1976 when both went out of service and were stored. No. 4001 eventually went to Derby where it is still stored. No. 4002 also went to Derby for experimental bogie fittings, and returned to the Southern Region painted in an executive livery, and with traction equipment fitted to the outer ends of the driving cars only; the unit is now stored at Clapham Junction awaiting a decision on its future. A great deal of information was gained from the operation of these test units which eventually paved the way for the Class 313, 314, 315, 317, 455, 507 and 508 fleets. |
| Go to Recognition Pages |
| As built | ||
| Class: | 445 originally 461+ | 446 originally 462+ |
| Number range: | 4001-4002 | 2001 |
| Former number range: | - | - |
| Alpha code: | 4PEP (4 Car Prototype Electro Pneumatic) | 2PEP (2 Car Prototype Electro Pneumatic) |
| Introduced: | 1971 | 1972 |
| Built by: | BREL York | BREL York |
| Formation: | DMS+MS+MS+DMS | DMS+DMS |
| Vehicle numbers: | DMS - 64301 & 64303 | DMS - 64300 |
| MS - 62427 & 62426 | DMS - 64305 | |
| MS - 62428 & 62429 | - | |
| DMS - 64302 & 64304 | - | |
| Set length: | ||
| Vehicle length: | DMS
- 64ft 11 1/2in MS - 65ft 4 1/4in |
DMS - 64ft 11 1/2in |
| Height: | ||
| Width: | 9ft 3in | 9ft 3in |
| Seating: | Total - 280S | Total - 136S |
| DMS - 68S | DMS - 68S | |
| MS - 72S | DMS - 68S | |
| MS - 72S | - | |
| DMS - 68S | - | |
| Internal layout: | 2+2 | 2+2 |
| Gangway: | Within set | Within set |
| Toilets: | Not fitted | Within set |
| Weight: | Total - 140 tons | Total - 70 tons |
| DMS - 35 tons | DMS - 35 tons | |
| MS - 35 tons | DMS - 35 tons | |
| MS - 35 tons | - | |
| DMS - 35 tons | - | |
| Brake type: | Air, EP/rheostatic | Air, rheostatic |
| Bogie type: | 4001 - BT5, 4002 - Mk6 | Mk6 |
| Power collection: | 750V dc third rail | 750V dc third rail |
| Traction motor type: | 16 x GEC | 8 x GEC |
| Horsepower: | 1,600hp | 800hp |
| Max speed: | 75mph | 75mph |
| Coupling type: | Inner
- Bar Outer - Scharfenberg |
Inner
- Bar Outer - Scharfenberg |
| Multiple restriction: | Within type only | Within type only |
| Door type: | bi-parting sliding | bi-parting sliding |
| Special features: | ||
| Notes:
When originally built, BREL papers showed the driving cars classified as
461 and the intermediate non driving cars 462 |