British Rail Class 450
| British Rail Class 450 Desiro | |
|---|---|
South West Trains High Capacity Class 450/5 No. 450555 at Addlestone
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The interior aboard a High Capacity Class 450/5
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| In service | 5 October 2003 - present |
| Manufacturer | Siemens AG |
| Built at | Krefeld, Germany |
| Family name | Desiro |
| Replaced | |
| Constructed | 2002 - 2006 |
| Entered service | 2003 - 2006 |
| Number built | 127 trainsets |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers |
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| Capacity | 24 first class, 240 standard class per trainset |
| Operator(s) | South West Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Car length | 20.4 m (66 ft 11 in) |
| Width | 2.796 m (9 ft 2.1 in) |
| Doors | Plug sliding 1/4 and 3/4 position |
| Articulated sections | Inter-unit and inter-vehicle flexible diaphragm |
| Maximum speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
| Weight | Total: 170 tonnes (167 long tons; 187 short tons) |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC third rail |
| Current collection method | Contact shoe |
| Braking system(s) | Air, regenerative |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 450 third-rail DC EMU began service during 2003. They are a part of the Siemens Desiro modular train family and are more commonly known as the 'Blue Desiro'. 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 was built with standard and first class accommodation. The unit has a maximum speed of 100 mph (161 km/h).
The Siemens "Desiro UK" family also includes units of Classes 185, 350, 360, 380 and 444. These trains are the most numerous trains in South West Trains's fleet, and also the most numerous units in the Desiro UK family.
In April 2001, 785 vehicles were ordered by South West Trains in order to complete the replacement of its slam-door rolling stock (the slam-door trains were coming to the end of their useful lives and did not meet modern health and safety requirements). Introduction to service was delayed by the required power supply upgrades capable of powering the new trains, which feature air conditioning, a feature not present in the slam-door trains they replaced. In the December 2004 timetable change, the Class 450 Desiro began serving most intended routes, although introduction was delayed until June 2005 in some areas. The units are leased by Angel Trains to South West Trains.
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