Class 458s on the SWML

[Mark_re]

Hi all,

Just seen a 458 pass through Winchester. It's the first time I've seen one of those units down here. Anyone know what's going on, or if it's a normal occurrence?

Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZHL9nF8sjk

Cheers,

Mark

 

[Lampshade]

I didn't even know they operated solo hock:

May be on its way to Bournemouth for a refresh/regenerative brake testing or something.

 

[Hydro]

Seen them a few times heading to Bomo.

 

[thefab444]

I didn't even know they operated solo hock:

Single units operate regularly on the weekday Guildford - Ascot services.

 

[swt_passenger]

Hi all,

Just seen a 458 pass through Winchester. It's the first time I've seen one of those units down here. Anyone know what's going on, or if it's a normal occurrence?

Definitely yes to it being a normal occurence, and surprisingly often.

There are daily 'Q paths' (run when necessary) between Wimbledon Park depot and Bournemouth depot, they are used a couple of times most weeks for ECS moves of any stock - of course only 458s and 455s actually get noticed, they go to Bourenmouth for various purposes.

Up direction: 5B40 14+32 Bomo 17+12 W’don Pk
Down direction: 5B39 10+11 W’don Pk 12+44 Bomo

Similar paths exist for Salisbury - Bomo, and presumably for a few other regular depot to depot moves.

 

[thefab444]

Similar paths exist for Salisbury - Bomo, and presumably for a few other regular depot to depot moves.

There's a Clapham Yard - Northam Depot path (5Y96/5Y97 IIRC), presumably to allow 450/5s to return to base regularly.

 

[tom1649]

At least 458s continue to serve a useful purpose, at one time their future was in doubt. Which is more than can be said for the 460s.

 

[RobShipway]

Anything more been heard about placing the coaches from the Class 460's into the 458's to make some of them 5 car sets at all please?

 

[MCR247]

No there isn't any news

 

[tom1649]

Anything more been heard about placing the coaches from the Class 460's into the 458's to make some of them 5 car sets at all please?

What will happen to the remaining coaches if this happens?

 

[MCR247]

The major plan was to rebuild 458s/460s with new cabs, forming 28 5 car train and the rest 4 car IIRC

 

[tom1649]

The major plan was to rebuild 458s/460s with new cabs, forming 28 5 car train and the rest 4 car IIRC

I see, quite a big job then.

 

[MCR247]

Yes, but I guess there would have been cheaper alternatives of the plan, like just getting the centre cars that were needed then storing the remains etc

 

[Pen Mill]

The major plan was to rebuild 458s/460s with new cabs, forming 28 5 car train and the rest 4 car IIRC

Just a thought ,Are the SWT platforms at Reading long enough to handle 2 x 5 car sets ?

 

[Roylang]

Just a thought ,Are the SWT platforms at Reading long enough to handle 2 x 5 car sets ?

Not if you look at this link: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=reading&hl=en&ll=51.458845,-0.969841&spn=0.001618,0.004128&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=25.285886,67.631836&t=h&z=19

Clearly shows an 8 car 450 filling the bay platforms.

Roy

 

[swt_passenger]

Just a thought ,Are the SWT platforms at Reading long enough to handle 2 x 5 car sets ?

They will all be by next summer. The rebuild to provide 3 x 12 car platforms has been underway about 6 months now, new P4 is available in January at 12 car length.

There are no current plans for 10 or 12 car operation to Reading though, so if the 458 extension plans happened they would go to other routes, with 450s running to Reading.

 

[whhistle]

The rebuild to provide 3 x 12 car platforms has been underway. . .

Ha ha, had to double-take then. I thought you meant rebuild so the platform could take three 12-car trains!

 

[Roylang]

They will all be by next summer. The rebuild to provide 3 x 12 car platforms has been underway about 6 months now, new P4 is available in January at 12 car length.

And quite right you are too! Just looked at the Network Rail site which has some good plans available of the revised station layout showing platforms 4a/4b being extended over the Vastern Road.

Pages here: http://www.networkrail.co.uk/aspx/6339.aspx

Roy

 

[MCR247]

Just a thought ,Are the SWT platforms at Reading long enough to handle 2 x 5 car sets ?

The 10 car sets aren't/weren't for Reading...

 

[swt_passenger]

Couple of pics of the progress at the Vastern Rd bridge as of Monday this week:

The main civils contract for the bridge finishes this weekend, another firm takes over for the platforms as soon as next week.

 

[1018509]

< snip - of course only 458s and 455s actually get noticed > snip

True, have seen plenty of 455's but not yet spotted a 458.