Class 456's on the move?

[JB25]

I'm assuming that the 2 units in Wimbledon Park sidings are for driver training. They seem to sporadically move up and down their road.

That training can't last very long. They drive almost identical to 455s.

 

[Y186520]

That looks like wolverton not wabtec.

The notes with the photo suggested wabtec, so could be elsewhere.
My last visit to Wolverton was 1975ish to an open day Ive no hope of
recognising it.

 

[swt_passenger]

If it is Swt or Porterbrook it seems likely it will be the start of overhaul to
Swt 455 standards.

I meant just that the direct moves from Stewarts Lane to Wolverton might not need to have have anything to do with SWT. It is surely taken as read that the purpose of the actual overhaul is to bring them up to SWT's standards.

I dont know if already posted but this is link for pdf about the proposed
refurbishment.
http://www.porterbrook.co.uk/downloads/brochures/456 Brochure.pdf

It was posted already, but in a more general thread about a number of Porterbrook's different brochures.

 

[Bigfoot]

Another on the move.

 

[DJL]

An odd sight indeed!

 

[4-6-2 Coast]

This may be a dumb question, but why on earth are they going by road and not by rail?

 

[bicbasher]

Sure I saw two units coupled together in service with Southern still on an Outer SLL service this evening?

It was dark, so couldn't get the number of the units.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Sure I saw two units coupled together in service with Southern still on an Outer SLL service this evening?

It was dark, so couldn't get the number of the units.

I saw some 456s out this morning; at least one 455 + 456 + 456 combination and at least one 455 + 456 combination as well. Did not try to get the numbers - sorry! Saw them from a 377/4 on the 08.50 Epsom - Victoria.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

This may be a dumb question, but why on earth are they going by road and not by rail?

A number of possibilities: Firstly, it may be easier and cheaper than finding paths. Secondly if they go by rail they need drivers with both traction knowledge and route knowledge: Southern's drivers will be the only ones passed on 456s and if they're taking the 456s to Wimbledon then they can't be working trains in service. They also may not be passed on the roads into Wimbledon depot so would need SWT pilots who might not be available. Also, it might be that the units are being removed from traffic as they're due an exam- so they wouldn't be able to run under their own power. Additionally there was mention up thread about most of the 456s being sent to Wolverton (or possibly Wabtec Doncaster) for overhaul before going to SWT- they'd need dragging once they're off the juice rail which means hiring a FOC with locos, translator vehicles and extra vehicles for brake-force- and we're back to finding and paying for paths again. It does seem absurd to see trains on the back of a wagon, but there's usually a good reason for it!

 

[JB25]

I only know two Southern depots which sign Wimbledon (as in the Station) and they are Selhurst and London Bridge. They would be able to get the trains there, but then you would as stated above need a SWT driver (who won't yet sign 456s) to come and pilot them in to the depot. It is all a bit daft but thems the rules.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Another on the move.

Has that 456 been split in half? hock:

 

[DJL]

Has that 456 been split in half? hock:

Seeing an entire unit on a lorry - now that really would be a sight!

 

[swt_passenger]

Sure I saw two units coupled together in service with Southern still on an Outer SLL service this evening?

It was dark, so couldn't get the number of the units.

At a recent count up Southern still have 7 units available for 4 diagrams, until the last 377/6s are in service. Not likely to be seeing 456s for more tan a week or two, I'd think.

 

[TEW]

The 456s were moved to Wimbledon depot by rail but the units currently being moved by road are off for overhaul.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

At a recent count up Southern still have 7 units available for 4 diagrams, until the last 377/6s are in service. Not likely to be seeing 456s for more tan a week or two, I'd think.

456 013 was at Epsom tonight on the 15.49 to Victoria with a 455.

 

[Uzair]

Stupid question probably, but why are they going to overhaul by road and not rail?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

Stupid question probably, but why are they going to overhaul by road and not rail?

As I said earlier... :roll:

...they'd need dragging once they're off the juice rail which means hiring a FOC with locos, translator vehicles and extra vehicles for brake-force- and we're back to finding and paying for paths again...

 

[Domh245]

The 456 set that was sitting in Wimbledon Park CSD was coupled between two 455s the other day, is that how they intend to run it? It had also disappeared from view by this evening - I'm guessing that it has shunted round to the side of the shed.

 

[JB25]

The 456 set that was sitting in Wimbledon Park CSD was coupled between two 455s the other day, is that how they intend to run it? It had also disappeared from view by this evening - I'm guessing that it has shunted round to the side of the shed.

I said they are likely to be between two 455s but I was told I don't know what I am talking about.

 

[455driver]

Of course it would make sense to couple a non gangwayed unit in between 2 gangwayed units doesnt it! :roll:

One of the reasons is to test the multiple working when coupled up, by coupling it in btween they can test the 456 with 2 class 455s, if they couple the 456 on the end then it would only be tested with one 455 at a time!

But no, I am sure you are right and I am wrong! :roll:

 

[DJL]

It makes sense to test the contingency plan even if the aspiration is never to use it

 

[JB25]

Of course it would make sense to couple a non gangwayed unit in between 2 gangwayed units doesnt it! :roll:

One of the reasons is to test the multiple working when coupled up, by coupling it in btween they can test the 456 with 2 class 455s, if they couple the 456 on the end then it would only be tested with one 455 at a time!

But no, I am sure you are right and I am wrong! :roll:

I wondered how long you would be. Lol.

They are coupled to our 455s all the time. Why do they need to test if they couple? hock:

 

[Domh245]

In this world of "Standards" you can never be too sure. For all we know, The corridor connections on the SWT 455s could have some sort of adverse affect on the coupling mechanism of the 456 :roll:

 

[JB25]

In this world of "Standards" you can never be too sure. For all we know, The corridor connections on the SWT 455s could have some sort of adverse affect on the coupling mechanism of the 456 :roll:

I cannot see that. They both have tightlock coupling devices and both probably have the same wiring. I can't imagine there is / will be a problem.

 

[455driver]

I cannot see that. They both have tightlock coupling devices and both probably have the same wiring. I can't imagine there is / will be a problem.

I think you have answered your own question there!

Yes they should work with our 455s but can you guarantee that?

 

[JB25]

I think you have answered your own question there!

Yes they should work with our 455s but can you guarantee that?

Can I say yes?

 

[455driver]

Can I say yes?

Hopefully we both can , but bearing in mind the time SWT and Southern have had seperate fleets and all the modifications both fleets have undergone it makes sense to check these things out. They are not exactly young either!

 

[Bigfoot]

2x456 should move from the Park to Strawberry Hill at the start of January ready for driver training. Should be in service from end of March...

 

[zn1]

the seperate fleet thing is down to roscos as well,if one depots 455s have a mod and it works it makes sense to fit to the whole fleet... it would have more sense years ago to keep the fleets together in each rosco rather than split them up, the diviion of stock was a mess to say the least.

 

[nlogax]

2x456 should move from the Park to Strawberry Hill at the start of January ready for driver training. Should be in service from end of March...

Good news. With that in mind, how does it typically take to receive new paint and seats - is this a Bournemouth or Wimbledon job?

 

[Domh245]

I Believe that the overhaul is being done at Wolverton (or Wabtec Doncaster). I'm not sure if it could be done at Bournemouth or Wimbledon, but doing that would take up (valuable) operational space. As an aside, will the 456s have their Dot Matrix displays removed from the front and replaced with the traditional blind, or will the 455s start to have Dot Matrix displays fitted?