Southern / South Western 455s

[amarshe]

Hi
I've done a search but can't find anything - before Covid, SWT/South Western seemed to be replacing a load of their class 455s with newer classes. Southern (particularly on the Peckham Rye / Tulse Hill routes are almost 455s apart from occasional 377s.

What is the longevity of Southern's 455s? I much prefer South Western's decor, and the ability to have open windows...so more of a curiosity, especially in the current environment...

 

[JonathanH]

Hi
I've done a search but can't find anything - before Covid, SWT/South Western seemed to be replacing a load of their class 455s with newer classes. Southern (particularly on the Peckham Rye / Tulse Hill routes are almost 455s apart from occasional 377s.

What is the longevity of Southern's 455s? I much prefer South Western's decor, and the ability to have open windows...so more of a curiosity, especially in the current environment...

Southern - no current plans to replace 455s
South Western Railway - first 701s are now arriving (for testing / familiarisation) but it will be a fair while before 455s start to be displaced - the whole of the 455/456/458/707 fleet is being replaced.

 

[Fincra5]

Hi
I've done a search but can't find anything - before Covid, SWT/South Western seemed to be replacing a load of their class 455s with newer classes. Southern (particularly on the Peckham Rye / Tulse Hill routes are almost 455s apart from occasional 377s.

What is the longevity of Southern's 455s? I much prefer South Western's decor, and the ability to have open windows...so more of a curiosity, especially in the current environment...

SWR have gone for a uniform fleet for Class 701s, replacing all of their current metro stock, which include; 455s, 456s, 458s, 707s as well as services operated by 450s on "metro" routes.

IMO, Southwest did a much bettee refurb of their 455s than Southern. Southern could be wise to tske the retractioned 455s off SWR to replace their units and 313s due to the age of the traction equipment. However Southern, as part of the GTR Management Franchise is crafted and overseen by the DfT, so decisions are theirs...

Both 313s and 455s on SN are likely to be replaced in the next franchise, could be released stock or new, who knows...

Could even end up being sooner if the DfT choose.