SWR outgoing Metro fleet withdrawals (complete)

[D365]

I'm just surprised that the demise of the 458/5s has been pretty much ignored in enthusiast circles. I wonder if the demise of the 458/4s will be similarly ignored.

perhaps because it’s about the third or fourth ’demise’ of the Class 458s in their comparatively short life.

 

[Peter Sarf]

perhaps because it’s about the third or fourth ’demise’ of the Class 458s in their comparatively short life.

Indeed, the 458s have not really stood the test of time. A lot of money (an patience) must have been spent on all these conversions 4car to 5car then back to 4car and now no real use for them where they were intended to go !.

 

[CallmeDave]

5712 and 32 out again usual diagram starts 1702 Waterloo Guildford, see SWR 455 twilight diagrams/workings for details

 

[WessexEclectic]

perhaps because it’s about the third or fourth ’demise’ of the Class 458s in their comparatively short life.

The Rise and Fall of the 458s... "Eleven minutes late, defective axle at Wandsworth..."

 

[Goldfish62]

perhaps because it’s about the third or fourth ’demise’ of the Class 458s in their comparatively short life.

They've got far more character than the 455s, which I've never liked, but I know not everyone will agree with that view.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

They've got far more character than the 455s

I think for many peeps, it may often be a case of which type(s) worked the routes they commuted on, which type they became use to, and having been professionally involved with both from introduction onwards, the 458's - no offence my friend - have been the bigger headache when it came to available resources (from time to time), but it was what it was, speaking from my retired armchair!

Couple of my pics previously posted, but in keeping with this thread I hope, both taken when the types were brand new to the SW.

 

[WTT Gremlin]

It probably doesn't help that the 458s were always somewhat of a 'Windsor Lines' thing rather than being as wide roaming as the 455. Additionally, they have the issue that the 455s are still around but 'going' where as the 458s are just off for their latest 'transformation'.

I think for many peeps, it may often be a case of which type(s) worked the routes they commuted on, which type they became use to, and having been professionally involved with both from introduction onwards, the 458's - no offence my friend - have been the bigger headache when it came to available resources (from time to time), but it was what it was, speaking from my retired armchair!

Couple of my pics previously posted, but in keeping with this thread I hope, both taken when the types were brand new to the SW.

Thank you for sharing the images, and amusingly for me at least I would have been far been infinitely more interested in ridding a 455 then (when for me they would have been 'good' rather than for the last decade when they have felt decidedly 'subpar'). If not for the considerable work circa 2005 to completely redo the interiors they would not have lasted this long.

 

[InvHst]

One last day tomorrow for the 455s subject to change should drop on an all day diagram!

 

[35B]

It probably doesn't help that the 458s were always somewhat of a 'Windsor Lines' thing rather than being as wide roaming as the 455. Additionally, they have the issue that the 455s are still around but 'going' where as the 458s are just off for their latest 'transformation'.

Thank you for sharing the images, and amusingly for me at least I would have been far been infinitely more interested in ridding a 455 then (when for me they would have been 'good' rather than for the last decade when they have felt decidedly 'subpar'). If not for the considerable work circa 2005 to completely redo the interiors they would not have lasted this long.

Very simply, I grew up with the 455s whereas the 458s (as /0, /5 and /4) have never really been part of my experience

 

[Goldfish62]

I think for many peeps, it may often be a case of which type(s) worked the routes they commuted on, which type they became use to, and having been professionally involved with both from introduction onwards, the 458's - no offence my friend - have been the bigger headache when it came to available resources (from time to time), but it was what it was, speaking from my retired armchair!

Couple of my pics previously posted, but in keeping with this thread I hope, both taken when the types were brand new to the SW.

Nice photos!

For me, being on the Reading line the 458s in their various iterations were my daily commute mode for a fair few years for better or worse, whereas the 455s were just unwelcome invaders from the inner suburban.

 

[adc82140]

For me, my interest in the 455s is now minimal. The refurb was so transformational that they have very little in common with the 455s I commuted on in the early 90s. Don't get me wrong, it was fantastic for their life extension, and the travelling comfort of regular passengers. I just feel as a result of this I can't mourn their passing.

 

[WTT Gremlin]

Very simply, I grew up with the 455s whereas the 458s (as /0, /5 and /4) have never really been part of my experience

Likewise, re both classes which is why I am very happy to see them go.

For me, my interest in the 455s is now minimal. The refurb was so transformational that they have very little in common with the 455s I commuted on in the early 90s. Don't get me wrong, it was fantastic for their life extension, and the travelling comfort of regular passengers. I just feel as a result of this I can't mourn their passing.

I remember both of their lives and neither mourn nor really understand the mourning of them.

 

[35B]

Likewise, re both classes which is why I am very happy to see them go.

I remember both of their lives and neither mourn nor really understand the mourning of them.

I mourn the departure of the 455s, on the basis of "farewell good and faithful servant". I will be in London tomorrow so will try to get a farewell ride if timings allow, for nostalgia's sake.

However, I also regard the 701s as offering significant improvement on the 455s, so can't regret their departure - they have had their day, and run their course.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

They've got far more character than the 455s, which I've never liked, but I know not everyone will agree with that view.

I do, definitely.

 

[brooklynbound]

If it weren't for the terrible seats I would agree the 701s are an improvement but they must have the worst commuter seats on the railways. If only they'd fitted them in like the 455s. Rush hour travel on a 701 is terrible unless you stand.

 

[NSEWonderer]

Yep from all accounts, looks like tomorrow is the last day of the 455s(good riddance ), will be missed.

 

[swt_passenger]

If it weren't for the terrible seats I would agree the 701s are an improvement but they must have the worst commuter seats on the railways. If only they'd fitted them in like the 455s. Rush hour travel on a 701 is terrible unless you stand.

I thought if they had ‘fitted them in like the 455s’ they’d have failed the DfT’s ITT requirements for standing room and dwell times.

 

[brad465]

It's been pointed out on FB that ITV used a photo on Wednesday from Jack Pourgourides to show off the nice weather in London, I wonder if the presenter realised there's more to be said about the train in the photo than of the weather at the time:


(Image taken by Jack Pourgourides and sent to ITV of sunny weather at Waterloo station, with a Class 455 in the foreground)

I'm guessing Jack is a trainspotter and thought he'd send the photo in to get publicity, which clearly worked.

 

[Goldfish62]

If it weren't for the terrible seats I would agree the 701s are an improvement but they must have the worst commuter seats on the railways. If only they'd fitted them in like the 455s. Rush hour travel on a 701 is terrible unless you stand.

The seats are far better than the most basic version of the ironing boards found on the 700s, 387s etc, and of the Fainsa ironing board design second best IMHO after the Heathrow Express 387s.

Anyway, we digress...

 

[Peter Sarf]

I think for many peeps, it may often be a case of which type(s) worked the routes they commuted on, which type they became use to, and having been professionally involved with both from introduction onwards, the 458's - no offence my friend - have been the bigger headache when it came to available resources (from time to time), but it was what it was, speaking from my retired armchair!

Couple of my pics previously posted, but in keeping with this thread I hope, both taken when the types were brand new to the SW.

Nice picture of the 455, is that a 4SUB and a 508 lurking to the left ?.

The 458s had such an odd front when new. It looked like some temporary bodge cover while the designers figured out what to do with the front. Oh well it was temporary !.

 

[Big Jumby 74]

Nice picture of the 455, is that a 4SUB and a 508 lurking to the left ?.

Thanks. 4 EPB and 508.

 

[CallmeDave]

5712 5732
1342 Waterloo Basingstoke and return see 455 workings thread for more

 

[adc82140]

So today marks, if I'm correct, the last running in public service anywhere of:

The Class 455 (obviously!)
The red SWT livery
A PEP-derived vehicle
A unit with roller blind destination indicators (or do the 150s have them?)
A unit that displays the old SR 2 digit route code
A unit without toilets on the SWR network
A unit that only displays the last 4 digits of its TOPS number
The last units with pipes and jumpers as well as couplers between units


And in England:

The last Mark 3 based EMU

 

[reddragon]

So today marks, if I'm correct, the last running in public service anywhere of:

The Class 455 (obviously!)
The red SWT livery
A PEP-derived vehicle
A unit with roller blind destination indicators (or do the 150s have them?)
A unit that displays the old SR 2 digit route code
A unit without toilets on the SWR network
A unit that only displays the last 4 digits of its TOPS number
The last units with pipes and jumpers as well as couplers between units


And in England:

The last Mark 3 based EMU

Also the last big four (Southern Railway) equipment in passenger use - as in some of the M&E under the floor taken from previous units.

I'll miss those old compressors!

The end of triggers broom!

 

[Class450/4DES]

A unit that displays the old SR 2 digit route code

444s & 450s do use SR route codes
occasionally.

Also I am going to really miss the Class 455s. I used to love seeing them when going to London. Thankfully we have 455871 which will bring on the 455s legacy for generations to come.

 

[lxfe_mxtterz]

444s & 450s do use SR route codes
occasionally.

Not by default. It will be a manual input by the guard.

 

[Class450/4DES]

Not by default. It will be a manual input by the guard.

Yeah.

 

[EYFanatic]

A unit with roller blind destination indicators (or do the 150s have them?)

150s are all LCD I think no matter where and who runs them

 

[Robert Carroll]

Here is the 18:53 from Waterloo arriving at Worcester Park this evening.

 

[WessexEclectic]

The end of triggers broom!

"I wouldn't go that far..."