Gatwick Express class 458.

[swt class 450]

I have just remembered that when the 460s were first introduced two of the South West Trains 458s (458 001 and 458 002) were converted to 2+2 seating and had Gatwick Express branding applied. These were apperently used as spares in case the 460s were not available.

The only information i can find is this page.

http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/rolling-stock/458-fall-and-rise/gex458.html

So i am wondering does anyone know if these were actually ever used in service with Gatwick Express (either in public service or on test runs)? And if so does anyone have any photos or know of any photos of these at Gatwick Airport and London Victoria (or any of the intermediate stations)?

 

[tsr]

There is a clue in an unfortunately badly-written sentence on a related part of the same website:

sub-leased two former class 458 units for use as a reserve train however this never ran in passenger service and the units have now returned to .

http://www.southernelectric.org.uk/features/rolling-stock/458-fall-and-rise/otherjun.html

I can certainly never recall seeing them, but I wasn't as interested in the railway back then!

 

[swt_passenger]

I remember a discussion in one of the usenet forums back in the day, that they were taken on by GatEx as 'insurance' but never got used in service. After only a short time, by 2007, the situation on SWT had changed, the 458s were now needed in service, and they were pulled back by the Rosco.

You'll have noticed that your linked article is one of many sources saying they never got used for public services.

 

[swt class 450]

Thank you both for your replies. I didnt see that other page of that website. I doesnt make it clear though whether the 458s were ever used on test runs? Surely they would have had to made at least one test run between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport and back?

Very interesting to see on that page that the 460s were tested on the Dorking - Holmwood - Ockley - Warnham - Horsham line. I never knew that despite living in the area for many years.