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![]() photograph by Colin Duff
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In early 1983 Derby Litchurch Lane Works started
converting air-conditioned Mk2 coach stock for use on the new Gatwick Express
services. This stock, which had originally been built in the same works between
1973 and 1974, had been cascaded from the Midland main line following
introduction of HST units. It was originally intended to modify stock to form
eighteen 4 car units (including 4 spare sets) formed TFO-3TSO but by the time
work began this had been changed to nineteen 3 car units formed TSOH-TSO-TSOH
(H= handbrake) and ten 2 car units formed TFOH-TSOH. The TFOs were re-numbered
72500-72509, the TSOHs 72600-72647 and the TSOs 72700-72718. The 2 car units
were designated class 488/2 (8201-8210) and the 3 car units 488/3
(8301-8319).
Conversion involved fitting SR standard 27-way jumpers and modifying the brake control equipment to EP and Westinghouse systems to allow MU operation. Outer ends of the units retained drop head couplers and buffers otherwise bar couplings were installed within the unit. Internally handbrakes (not normally fitted on British coach stock without driving or guard's facilities) were fitted within internal cupboards on the outer cars of each unit. These handbrakes were recycled from withdrawn 2 Hap units. In standard class the seating was moved bringing them slightly out of alignment with the windows and tables removed. Toilets at the outer ends of the TSOHs were replaced by luggage racks. In first class the existing 2+1 seating layout was retained but a single seat at one end was removed to provide wheelchair space. In both classes the internal sliding doors became motor-driven with footpad activation bringing them into line with Mk3 stock. From 1987 the interiors of the cars were further modified. In first class the seats were fitted with Mk4 type grey covers and new table tops, carpet and curtains were fitted. In standard class the tables were refitted, seating reduced from 56 to 48 to create more space for luggage and seats with detachable headrest replaced by Mk2 e/f and Mk3 type seats. Standard class seats were upholstered in the current Intercity red brushed moquette. Externally the bodyside wording changed to "Gatwick Express" and "Intercity" (Intercity "Swallow" era font). As with all slam door loco-hauled stock secondary locks were fitted throughout the 1990s and half of the units had been so fitted by 1994. At the end of 1992 to mark the service's detachment from the Intercity sector to become a shadow franchise there was a further change of livery. The broad red/white stripe replaced by a broad white stripe. This contained a thinner (than the previous red stripe) burgundy line towards its lower edge with there being a thin white line below the burgundy. The existing Intercity wording was retained. At this time first class was re-designated "Club Class" and the GLV labelled "Baggage Car". Then from early 1994 in the run up to privatisation the beige and white/burgundy striped lower body sides were replaced by pearl white with a narrow burgundy stripe. Fairly low down the centre of the coach sides the branding "Gatwick Express" in a light grey colour was applied together with a double pennants motif in burgundy. (Pearl white was also used above the dark grey window band where no yellow first class stripe was carried.) 8203 and 8307 were the first units to be trialed in this livery. As this trial only involved repainting the lower body sides the 1st class lettering and Pullman Crest within the dark grey band on 8203 was retained until a full repaint in June 1994 (for the record 8307 was repainted in May 1994). In more recent times the double pennants motif was dropped from the coach sides. With the introduction of all of the class 460 EMUs this stock is largely withdrawn and stored at DERA Shoeburyness, although sufficient vehicles to form three formations are being kept by Gatwick Express as reserve trains. Eight former Gatwick Express coaches are being leased by Porterbrook to Northern Ireland Railways as interim stock pending tendering, construction and arrival of their all-new stock. These vehicles have been repainted, regauged, some luggage racks replaced by seats and their brakes converted for use with GM class 111 diesel locomotives. This work was performed at Railcare Glasgow and the overhauled coaches delivered to the province between September and November 2001. This stock will make up a six coach plus generator van train and some spares. Details:
This stock entered service during February or March 2002. The remainder of former Gatwick Express stock is being taken up by GB Railways who plan to use it on innovative new services. For an overview of the Gatwick Express Service 1984-2000 follow this Gatwick Express link. |
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This page was last updated 3 December 2002