British Rail Class 450 Desiro
A South Western Railway Class 450 at Barnes in 2023
Refurbished standard-class saloon
In service5 October 2003 – present
ManufacturerSiemens Transportation Systems
Built atKrefeld, Germany
Family nameDesiro
Replaced
Constructed2002–2006[1]
Refurbished2017–2020[2]
Number built127[3]
Formation4 cars per unit:
DMOC-TOSL-TOSLW-DMOC[4]
Fleet numbers450001–450127
Capacity
  • As built: 264 seats
    (24 first-class, 240 standard)[5]
  • As refurbished: 285 seats
    (16 first-class, 269 standard)[4]
OwnersAngel Trains[3]
OperatorsSouth Western Railway
DepotsNortham (Southampton)[1]
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Train length81.60 m (267 ft 9 in)[6]
Car length20.34 m (66 ft 9 in)[3]
Width2.796 m (9 ft 2.1 in)[6]
Floor height1.157 m (3 ft 9.6 in)[6]
DoorsDouble-leaf sliding plug
(2 per side per car)
Wheel diameter850–786 mm (33.46–30.94 in) (new–worn)[6]
WheelbaseBogies: 2.600 m (8 ft 6.4 in)[7]
Maximum speed100 mph (160 km/h)[1]
Weight
  • 175.71 tonnes (172.93 long tons; 193.69 short tons)[5]
Traction systemSiemens SIBAS IGBT[6]
Traction motors8 × Siemens 1TB2016-0GB02
asynchronous three-phase AC[3]
Power output1,500 kW (2,000 hp) (at wheel)[6]
Tractive effortStarting: 200 kN (45,000 lbf)[5]
Accelerationapprox. 1 m/s2 (3.3 ft/s2)[6]
Electric system(s)750 V DC third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
UIC classificationBo′Bo′+2′2′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′[6]
BogiesSiemens SGP SF5000[6]
Minimum turning radius120 m (393 ft 8 in)[7]
Braking system(s)Electro-pneumatic (disc) and regenerative
Safety system(s)
Coupling systemDellner 12[8]
Multiple workingWithin class, and with Class 444[4]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The British Rail Class 450 Desiro are third-rail DC electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger trains that entered service during 2003. Used for outer-suburban services, they were built with both first- and standard-class accommodation. They have a maximum speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).

The Desiro UK family also includes units of Classes 185, 350, 360, 380 and 444.

Along with the Class 444 Desiro, the Class 450 units are operated by South Western franchise operator South Western Railway.

Introduction

A Class 450 unit between two Class 421s at Clapham Junction depot in February 2005, less than three months before the latter were withdrawn.

In April 2001, 785 vehicles were ordered by South West Trains in order to complete the replacement of its slam-door rolling stock, in accordance with its franchise commitment to do so by 2005, as the slam-door trains, many of which were more than 40 years old, 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 Western Railway.[3]

Sixty-eight new vehicles were ordered by South West Trains as a replacement to the growth order which was diverted to form the similar Class 350 range of electric multiple units.

Operations

South West Trains Class 450 unit at Camberley in 2011
South West Trains Class 450 unit near Clapham Junction in 2012

Class 450 units operate suburban, outer-suburban, and regional services from London Waterloo. They are used on all SWR lines except the non-electrified West of England Main Line and Eastleigh to Romsey Line.

On occasion Class 450 units are also used on the Portsmouth Direct Line for services between Waterloo and Portsmouth Harbour, in place of the intended Class 444. The difference in comfort – particularly the higher-density 2+3 seating arrangement used on the Class 450 fleet – has prompted complaints from some passengers affected by the substitution.[9]

Both the Class 444 and 450 fleets are maintained at the purpose-built Northam Traincare Facility in Southampton, which is equipped to perform both preventative and corrective maintenance, deep-cleaning, and overhauls on up to eight units simultaneously.[10]

Class 450/2 and more orders

Originally, SWT's order with Siemens was for 100 four-car sets (the current 450/0) and 32 five-car sets, intended as Class 450/2 for inner-suburban use. The Strategic Rail Authority, however, did not agree to the terms required, such as the lengthening of platforms and changes to railway infrastructure. As a result, the 32 five-car sets were cancelled and the 160 vehicles redistributed; an extra 10 four-car sets were added to the SWT order, while the remaining 120 vehicles were then ordered as 30 four-car sets of the dual-voltage Class 350 for Silverlink and Central Trains.

Subsequently, SWT received further 17 four-car sets, bringing the total number of Class 450 units up to 127.[1] These trains were delivered in 2006, not long after the last of the first order was delivered. 450101 was damaged in Belgium and returned to Wildenrath to have repairs conducted by Siemens, delaying its entry into the UK.

Class 450/5 modifications

In January 2008, 28 Class 450/0 sets were modified and re-numbered in the Class 450/5 series, for use on services between Waterloo and Windsor, the Hounslow Loop Line, as well as between Waterloo and Weybridge. They had their first-class seating removed and replaced with 2+3 formation standard-class seating, and some other seats were removed to provide more standing capacity; extra handrails were also provided. The numbers modified are 450043 to 450070, which have become 450543 to 450570 respectively and displayed the letters HC (denoting 'High Capacity') above the unit number on the front of the sets. The modifications were carried out at the Bournemouth Traincare Depot.[11]

In anticipation of the Class 458/5 modifications for use on the Windsor Lines, the 450/5 sub class had the First Class reinstated, and they are now used generally across the SWR routes. These trains retain their 4505xx number as the standard seating configuration remains different. As they complete their latest interior refurbishment, during late 2019, they are being returned to their original numbers.

Refresh

South Western Railway, as part of its franchise award in 2017, has carried out a refurbishment programme on its Class 450 fleet. As part of this, every unit has been deep cleaned with carpets and seat covers replaced and every two seats in standard class have had a plug socket fitted. The 24 first class seats carried in the centre of one of the intermediate trailers[12] were replaced with standard-class rows, while new first-class areas of eight seats each were installed immediately adjacent to each driver's cab. These areas feature new leather seats and tables with wireless charging facilities. As part of this work, subclass /5 high-capacity units have also been similarly refurbished, and returned to their original numbers, meaning that all Class 450s once again share a common layout.[13]

Accidents and incidents

On 6 November 2017, unit 450025 was derailed near Wimbledon.[14] Four people were injured; over 300 passengers were evacuated from the train.[15] The accident was caused by track spread (an increase in the distance between rails), and occurred on a 120-metre (131 yd) stretch of line that had not been inspected or maintained for many years because of a misunderstanding between Network Rail and London Underground as to which company was responsible for its upkeep.[16]

Fleet details

Class Operator Qty. Year built Cars per unit Unit nos.
450 South Western Railway 127 2002–2006 4 450001–450127

Interiors

Illustration

Illustration of a South Western Railway Class 450 unit

Named units

Some units have been named:

  • 450067 - Key Workers
  • 450100 - Transport Benevolent Fund CIO[17]
  • 450114 - Fairbridge Investing in the Future (Denamed in January 2023.)[18]
  • 450127 - Dave Gunson

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Trains - Reference List (PDF). Erlangen: Siemens Transportation Systems. 8 September 2006. p. 39. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  2. ↑ "SWR completes £70m 'Desiro' refurbishment as final train enters service". Aberdeen: FirstGroup plc. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Our Fleet - Class 450". London: Angel Trains. Archived from the original on 4 September 2021. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 "Our Trains - Class 450 'Desiro'". South Western Railway. London: First MTR South Western Trains. Archived from the original on 19 January 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 Technical Information: Class 450 (PDF). London: Siemens Transportation Systems. 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 November 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Technical Information: Desiro UK Electrical Multiple Unit Family. Erlangen: Siemens Transportation Systems. 2005. Order No. A19100-V800-B251-V2-7600.
  7. 1 2 First Class Bogies (PDF) (08/08 ed.). Graz: Siemens Transportation Systems. pp. 60–61, 67. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  8. ↑ System Data for Mechanical and Electrical Coupling of Rail Vehicles in support of GM/RT2190 (PDF). London: Rail Safety and Standards Board. 22 June 2011. p. 4. SD001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  9. ↑ "Commuter protest over rail seats". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 22 January 2007. Retrieved 29 January 2008.
  10. ↑ "Class 450 and Class 444 - South West Trains". Siemens Mobility. Archived from the original on 28 June 2017. Retrieved 11 January 2023.
  11. ↑ "High capacity Class 450 Desiro sets enter traffic". TheRailwayCentre.com. 24 January 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2008. Retrieved 29 January 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  12. ↑ Marsden, C. J. (2007). Traction Recognition. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing. pp. 226–227. ISBN 978-0-7110-3277-4. OCLC 230804946. OL 16902750M.
  13. ↑ "Train Refurbishment". South Western Railway. London: First MTR South Western Trains. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018.
  14. ↑ "South West Railways train derails near Wimbledon". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. 6 November 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  15. ↑ "Hundreds evacuated and four people injured after train derails near to Wimbledon". Independent Television News. 6 November 2017.
  16. ↑ Safety Digest 01/2018: Derailment of a passenger train near Wimbledon, south-west London, 6 November 2017 (PDF). Derby: Rail Accident Investigation Branch, Department for Transport. February 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 July 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  17. ↑ "Stock Update". The Railway Magazine. No. 1468. July 2023. p. 87.
  18. ↑ Bendall, S.; Coward, A. (March 2023). "Naming Update". Fleet Review. Railways Illustrated. No. 241. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. p. 23. ISSN 1479-2230.
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