About 3 weeks left to run iirc, with the usual disclaimer
It still has enough miles for around 3 weeks so there is a possibility it may finish then, but that's just my suspicion, again with the usual disclaimer.
Thanks as usual for the info.
If I might comment, diagramming in the context of peak hour (short) diagrams are often (more than not) based around providing the means of getting units of certain types back to depot between the peaks for any remedial maintenance work that couldn't be completed the previous night, and / or for 'bedding in' units recently new to passenger service. With very limited such turns/paths available in respect of Wimbledon depot, they will not be concentrating one unit type (455) to all such turns at the cost of other types (701) not returning to base between peaks. Sure there will still be all day 455 diagrams in the general mix until the end, mileage/serviceability permitting.
I do not know why they went to Bournemouth yesterday, but they are returning now on 5Y51. Prehaps they didnt like the weather down here.
I don't think there are many peak hour only diagrams. These are the only ones I can think of. I expect they all have morning peak work too. The single set definitely does.
I agree
I saw that from a distance, 8 car 455, but don't know which units. Could it be one acting as a tractor taking a-another down to Bournemouth (for stripping of certain parts?) and returning with a-another perhaps?
The Gatwick express ones were coupled together and 530 on it’s own today
5920 isn’t in service today either. Looking rather likely that she’s been withdrawn, the best bet is to wait for confirmation.
Ah. May be just sweeping up any (455 related) spares left at Bournemouth depot over time?
Glad I went out for her the other day. Thought she had a few miles left to go... (?). That's the last 455/9 gone then - possibly
Seems like its joined 458529 in retirement possibly. Oh well. They had a good 40 years while it lasted.
Now confirmed
5702/5865 is on 2M40 (Chessington to Waterloo) no?
Thanks for that. I shall ammend my notes for 5865. It was shown 1033 Guildford which works 1320 Woking usually.
@bb21 thanks for confirming the end of the 455/9 fleet. I’ve updated.
Yes sorry I couldn't have given more notice to allow those interested to get a last ride, but the situation really is quite fluid at the moment.
Sad as it may be for some who like the 455s, this is an exciting milestone - that the entire /9 cohort has been able to go says a lot about how much better the 701 rollout has been lately.
I seem to remember you and I came to differ on some matter or other now long past and forgotten from my end, but in this case I concur completely. I was part of both the 508 and 455 introduction plans on the SW back in the late 70s/early 80's, and in retired mode now look back on those days with some sentimentality, in so far as if I travel on a 455 today, I will ride in the 508 car of a 455/7 whenever possible, just for the hell of it.
I was going to ask how long 5860 had left in service, but given how fluid the 455 retirements are now it could be stood down at a moments notice.
