SWR outgoing Metro fleet withdrawals (complete)

[gabrielhj07]

159102 is in “razor blades livery”.

Very good!

 

[DGH 1]

Indeed. And modern paint is a lot more durable. It can easily last at least 15 years.

Do they still paint trains? I thought it was all vinyls nowadays.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Do they still paint trains? I thought it was all vinyls nowadays.

Yes they absolutely do.

SWR, for example, liveried up a handful of diesels and two Desiros. Immediately, it was decided that a shiny, fresher paint look was more preferable, and the full Desiro fleet and remaining white diesels (and 458/4s) were repainted going forward.

GWR did the same - applied vinyls to the 800/0, but then opted for paint with the 800/3 and 802s, which appears shinier and is more hard-wearing.

 

[DGH 1]

Yes they absolutely do.

SWR, for example, liveried up a handful of diesels and two Desiros. Immediately, it was decided that a shiny, fresher paint look was more preferable, and the full Desiro fleet and remaining white diesels (and 458/4s) were repainted going forward.

GWR did the same - applied vinyls to the 800/0, but then opted for paint with the 800/3 and 802s, which appears shinier and is more hard-wearing.

That warms my heart, some old traditions still being carried on, thank you.

 

[HMTrains]

Does anyone know if any of the last 3 class 458/5s are expected to be withdrawn anytime soon?

Apparently it's the timetable change on Sunday but idk

 

[Big Jumby 74]

A bespoke paint shop was installed at Bournemouth Depot during SWT days, the result of which can still be seen on the (few) remaining 455's. The red livery has never been redone, what you see is the original paint job.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Apparently it's the timetable change on Sunday but idk

Do you have a source for tha?

 

[Goldfish62]

GWR did the same - applied vinyls to the 800/0, but then opted for paint with the 800/3 and 802s, which appears shinier and is more hard-wearing.

The reason for that was that the 800/0s were specified by the DfT to be white before the new GWR livery was adopted. The build of the 800/3s and 802s were sufficiently later that the livery change could be specified.

The 800/0s had to be vinyled due to warranty on the paint underneath.

 

[HMTrains]

Do you have a source for tha?

I don't know if this is true but this is what I got told.


"The last 458/5 and the final 460 in service, due to be retired on Sunday after 25 years of operation"

 

[Goldfish62]

A bespoke paint shop was installed at Bournemouth Depot during SWT days, the result of which can still be seen on the (few) remaining 455's. The red livery has never been redone, what you see is the original paint job.

Are you sure about that? SWT claimed back in 2014-15 that during their overhaul at Bournemouth all units were being repainted, and they certainly looked that way when they emerged. It was that the interiors that were left untouched apart from repairs.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Apparently it's the timetable change on Sunday but idk

Standard start date for the December timetable, mid ish December.

 

[Goldfish62]

Do they still paint trains? I thought it was all vinyls nowadays.

Even if you vinyl a train you still need a full coat of paint underneath for protection and jurability.

Thankfully there are very few vinyl liveried trains around.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

I don't know if this is true but this is what I got told.

Ah okay, thanks. Can't really rely on an enthusiast's TikTok page but it'll be interesting to see if there's truth to it.

 

[HMTrains]

Ah okay, thanks. Can't really rely on an enthusiast's TikTok page but it'll be interesting to see if there's truth to it.

Yeah

 

[Big Jumby 74]

SWT claimed back in 2014-15

Think that is what I was referring to, date wise. I can still remember discussing the details of the paint mix to be used in a casual conversation with someone close to the project, which must be further in the past than I now remember..!

 

[DGH 1]

Even if you vinyl a train you still need a full coat of paint underneath for protection and jurability.

Thankfully there are very few vinyl liveried trains around.

I see, thank you.

 

[TEW]

Apparently it's the timetable change on Sunday but idk

They still have booked work in the new timetable. Down from 3 to 2 diagrams.

 

[midland1]

It looks like another pair of 455s are destined for Derby on Wednesday and possibly to be followed by 5723 although the path from Alexandra Dock is unconfirmed.

09/12
0H72 1646 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Wembley Loco Sidings P,q,r

Realtime Trains | 0H72 1646 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Wembley Loco Sidings P,q,r | 09/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0H72 1646 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Wembley Loco Sidings P,q,r on 09/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

10/12
0O87 0634 Wembley Loco Sidings P,q,r to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs

Realtime Trains | 0O87 0634 Wembley Loco Sidings P,q,r to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0O87 0634 departure from Wembley Loco Sidings P,q,r to Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q57 1016 Wimbledon Park Depot Sidings to Derby Litchurch Lane

Realtime Trains | 5Q57 1016 Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Derby Litchurch Lane | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q57 1016 departure from Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Derby Litchurch Lane on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

0R57 1612 Derby Litchurch Lane to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail)

Realtime Trains | 0R57 1612 Derby Litchurch Lane to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0R57 1612 departure from Derby Litchurch Lane to Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

11/12
0V75 0644 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Swindon East Loop

Realtime Trains | 0V75 0644 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Swindon East Loop | 11/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0V75 0644 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Swindon East Loop on 11/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

0W76 1557 Swindon East Loop to Alexandra Docks Udg

Realtime Trains | 0W76 1557 Swindon East Loop to Alexandra Docks Udg | 11/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 0W76 1557 departure from Swindon East Loop to Alexandra Docks Udg on 11/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

0H72 on its way looks like a go for Wed. Try and get a shot at Kilby Bridge Jn.

 

[Tony2]

I beleive the single unit (5723) is still at ADJn yard. I wonder if there are still any complete units in the scrap yard untouched ?

There was a single 455 unit at Alexandra Dock junction when I passed today at 1520. I couldn’t get the number but if it’s retrieved by Thursday I’ll see if I can catch the move at Newport station.

 

[43096]

Yes they absolutely do.

SWR, for example, liveried up a handful of diesels and two Desiros. Immediately, it was decided that a shiny, fresher paint look was more preferable, and the full Desiro fleet and remaining white diesels (and 458/4s)

They were painted because they were due bodywork overhaul.

were repainted going forward.

Are you sure they weren't going backwards?

GWR did the same - applied vinyls to the 800/0, but then opted for paint with the 800/3 and 802s, which appears shinier and is more hard-wearing.

Paint's primary function is to protect the bodyshell.

 

[Goldfish62]

Paint's primary function is to protect the bodyshell.

Exactly!

 

[norbitonflyer]

I don't know if this is true but this is what I got told.

The caption says its the last 460, but they were converted to 458s some time ago, so I would take it with a pinch of salt.

Nevertheless, i was aware when I used them last Wednesday morning that it would probably be my last ride on them - only to get the same pair on the way home!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Dec 2025 ==

I beleive the single unit (5723) is still at ADJn yard. I wonder if there are still any complete units in the scrap yard untouched ?

5723 is significant as its trailer was part of 508001 and thus, when in service, was, once the Merseyrail fleet were all gone, the oldest EMU vehicle in passenger service (they were inserted at random into the 455/7s, depending on when their original units were ready to go north)

 

[Boalbads]

They still have booked work in the new timetable. Down from 3 to 2 diagrams.

Do you know which diagram is being replaced? (Presumably the 5 car on the Windsor side, but just checking)

 

[Class455]

5702 and 5708 are booked to be hauled by 37884 to litchurch lane tomorrow.

Saw both heading for scrap yesterday. Out of interest, when was the last time they worked in service? I had 455708 in service on Saturday 29th Nov and 455702 seemed to be out as late as last Saturday, so both were very recent withdrawals?

I can't be the only one that thinks it's slightly ironic that Newport's closure has resulted in the remaining 455's being sent to where the 701's were built, in Derby, for component recovery before they go to be scrapped. It's almost as if Alstom have said "buy our trains and we'll recycle your old trains" lol.

 

[Flange Squeal]

159102 is in “razor blades livery”.

Talking of sharp things, I think 159102's demise has left 159103 as sole example of the South West Trains "Sawtooth" variant with a jagged orange edge between the orange and white, rather than the final South West Trains "Sunray" design still worn by 158880-6 & 159101/4-6.

I believe the examples of the previous South West Trains livery with all solid colour swoops and thicker blue skirt that passed to SWR are now all in an SWR livery.

 

[pompeyfan]

Do you know which diagram is being replaced? (Presumably the 5 car on the Windsor side, but just checking)

One unit does the following;

5R02 / 2R02 / 2S11 / 2S20 / 5Y86 / 5S47 / 2S47 / 2S56 / 2V57 / 5V58 / 2S73 / 5Y66.

The other does;

5C09 / 2C09 / 2C20 / 2C23 / 2C34 / 2V43 / 2R49 / 2S59 / 2S68 / 2U73 / 2U80 / 5U80

 

[Southern Dvr]

I can't be the only one that thinks it's slightly ironic that Newport's closure has resulted in the remaining 455's being sent to where the 701's were built, in Derby, for component recovery before they go to be scrapped. It's almost as if Alstom have said "buy our trains and we'll recycle your old trains" lol.

Are they having component recovery then?
My understanding is that when they were going to Newport they just got scrapped. So, why would it be different with them going to Derby?

 

[Siemens Staines]

5709 & 5720 show on RTT for todays 5Q57 to Derby. I do not know what loco is doing the hauling though.

Realtime Trains | 5Q57 1016 Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Derby Litchurch Lane | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q57 1016 departure from Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Derby Litchurch Lane on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[St. Paddy]

5709 & 5720 show on RTT for todays 5Q57 to Derby. I do not know what loco is doing the hauling though.

Realtime Trains | 5Q57 1016 Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Derby Litchurch Lane | 10/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q57 1016 departure from Wimbledon Park Depot Sdgs to Derby Litchurch Lane on 10/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

37884

 

[CallmeDave]

Saw both heading for scrap yesterday. Out of interest, when was the last time they worked in service? I had 455708 in service on Saturday 29th Nov and 455702 seemed to be out as late as last Saturday, so both were very recent withdrawals?

I can't be the only one that thinks it's slightly ironic that Newport's closure has resulted in the remaining 455's being sent to where the 701's were built, in Derby, for component recovery before they go to be scrapped. It's almost as if Alstom have said "buy our trains and we'll recycle your old trains" lol.

According to LRR.
5702 last worked on Friday 5th (0820 Woking Waterloo).
5708 last worked on 5th 00+09 empties Dorking to Wimbledon, off its last passenger job - 2310 Waterloo Dorking on 4th.