There are three 458/5s still in service and they're not being converted. All three are usually in service daily Mon-Fri.
Can't forget the last of the original 458/5s, 530 still running single to Reading, Weybridge & Hounslow loop most days.
www.realtimetrains.co.uk
Another site has recorded 458414 at Swaythling today.Does anyone know what was on 5X95 to Bournemouth today, which I am guessing was a 458/4? Thank you.
Realtime Trains | 5X95 1217 Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D | 31/10/2025
Real-time train running information for 5X95 1217 departure from Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Bournemouth T&R.S.M.D on 31/10/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.
That single 458/5 is diagrammed, has been since May. Reading in the mornings, Hounslow / Weybridge in the afternoon/evenings. And yes, it's cosy! Not as bad as when it's substituted with a single 455 though...
535 is the only one out again today, went on it today, it is quite cosy! I do wonder, what is happening with 530/533, today 5709/5852 ran their diagram.
Last time 535 was missing it was for around a week, presumably for minor servicing, so maybe the same for the pair?
Thanks.
Thanks for the answer, what is flashover damage?
Most likely not
No, there are inherent issues with 12 car clearances for signals apparently. Running as 8 car formations seems futile as units would be diagram restricted. It’s a bloody shame that (if the clearance issues are true) due diligence wasn’t carried out before the retractioned 442s were withdrawn with no credible replacement plan to ensure the Portsmouth Direct gets a suitable mode of traction. Personally I don’t see why the 450s have such a bad press, after all the VEPs operated a large number of WAT to PMH trains, but the issue was raised years ago re 3 by 2 seating and SWT/SWR have been reluctant to tell the commuter to effectively shut up moaning about it (which IMO they should, the Ports direct has never been and never will be in the same intercity league as the Weymouth fasts)
Had SWR or more likely the DfT decided to keep the 458s as 458/5s and had some sort of miracle “greyhounding” them to 90mph running, I suspect they would have had a slimmer chance of appearing on the Portsmouth services. Better to keep hold of the 458/4s dedicated to Windsor/Reading trains and possibly overspill for shorter formation Arterio substitute trains. They’re good units it would be a shame to see the back of them. But the Arterio project is far more wide ranging than a 455 replacement. So the future looks bleak for these “cats”. I call them that as they seem to have nine lives
So they refurbished them just for them to be withdrawn after all 701s enter service, seems pretty stupid
Well yes. This has been mentioned time and time again. The 442s refurb was the same but with their own “signalling” issues
So options are.
If it wasn’t for that diagram going over to the Weybridge services later in the day they could easily have strengthened it to an 8 455
When it's swapped from 458 to 455 it's unfortunately always a single unit, undoubtedly due to those Weybridge journeys (which in the PM peak I'm reliably informed leave passengers behind).
It's obviously a long while since I was last in a VEP, but IIRC they had solid armrests on the aisle end of the seats. The 450's seats have no lateral restraint, even the seat cushions are flat, so in aisle or middle seats you end up constantly having to brace yourself sideways every time the train sways. That's okay for a short while but tiring on trips of up to two hours to/from Pompey. The other problem is the floor level heating duct, which means window-seat pax have to sit at an angle, which is worsened by the narrowness of the seat.
Does SWR have any interest in keeping passengers happy? They seem to rely on people having no realistic alternative.
Which may matter less now that we're told commuting numbers have collapsed, as justification for keeping the Covid timetable cuts in place five years on.
Still a 1x458/5 next week unfortunately
Excessive arcing, which could have been a supply issue on the network or down to a short circuit on the unit somewhere, often a hanging cable or other component. This then causes excessive heat and can melt metal causing components to be welded up, or issues on the power supply circuits onboard.
There are 455s available however due to the booked Weybridge turns on that diagram you cannot run a double, or you have to skip Virginia Water on the up.
