Class 458/0 SDO Query

[JN114]

Terrifying to think this counts as a history question, but here goes…

Did the 458/0s have selective door opening before their 5 car conversion?

If so does anyone recall how it functioned?

If not, how did they cope with short platforms; or did they not?

I recall pre- ASDO the Desiros tended to unit de-select; as West Mids still do with their 350s where necessary.

 

[JonathanH]

If not, how did they cope with short platforms; or did they not?

I could be wrong but I don't think they did.

Earley and Winnersh (and Ash) got extended as part of their introduction. I think that the rear coaches used to be locked out on the Frimley line.

 

[TEW]

They did a UDS system similar to the Desiros. Because the gangway between the units was for staff use only though, the rear coaches were emptied before it was used. It was only used regularly between Ascot and Aldershot on the through services to Waterloo. On down services the rear 4 coaches were emptied at Ascot, and on up services were only brought in to use from Ascot. I'm not sure how it was used when the units were introduced first and used more on Alton services.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

When it came to short platforms, they were only permitted to run (as 8 cars) over the routes they were booked within the base plan, as TEW mentions, Ascot to Guildford and Aldershot to Alton, and even so there were special instructions in relation to this that had to be applied. If out of course working was in operation whereby they might be required to work a service that called at intermediate stations, say, on the Chertsey branch, then alternative stock had to be used, which given the 458/0's were not permitted to be broken down to 4 car whilst in service (the complex and time consuming gangway precluded this) and 455's didn't have SDO, the replacement stock would normally be 8 car 450 in such instances.