SREmG
 

Please be aware of our copyright notice. If you have a good reaon for using a photo from this site ask permission from first - it is frequently given.

Class 488

photograph by Colin Duff

The TSO N°72702 of set N°8303 at Gatwick Airport 12th May 2000.

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 These handbrakes were recycled from withdrawn 2 Hap units.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:

Gatwick Express number NIR number
72634 8941
72637 8942
72605 8943
72609 8944
72626 8945
72627 8946
72646 8947
72647 8948

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.

Click on the thumbnails for a larger image.
  • TFOH 72504
     
    Tthe TFOH N°72504 of set N°8205 at Gatwick Airport 12th May 200.
    Photograph by Colin Duf.
  • TSOH 72603
     
    The TSOH N°72603 of set N°8303 at Gatwick Airport 12th May 2000.
    Photograph by Colin Duff.
  • TSO 72702
     
    TSO 72702 of set 8303 at Gatwick Airport 12th May 2000..
    Photograph by Colin Duff.
  • Continental
    Airlines
    .Set N°8310 in Continental Airlines livery seen at Gatwick Airport on 12th May2000
    Photograph by Colin Duff.
  • More
    Continental
    A Continental Airlines liveried Class 488/2 set brings up the rear of a mixed eight-car formation into Gatwick Airport Station on 12th May 2000.
    Photograph by Colin Duff.
  • Third gen
    Livery
    Compare this third generation livery on N°72629 of unit N°8206 at Clapham Junction in February 1994 with the next, fourth generation livery, photo of N°72502of unit N°8203.
    Photograph by John Lewis.
  • Fourth gen
    Livery
    Compare this fourth generation livery on N°72502of unit N°8203 N°72629 of unit N°8206 at Clapham Junction in February 1994 with the previous, third generation livery, photo of N°72629 of unit N°8206.
    Photograph by John Lewis.
  • New
    Branding
    A closer view of the new Gatwick Express branding on N°72502 (as above) seen at Victoria in February 1994.
    Photograph by John Lewis.
  • Old
     
    Detailing the changes between the second to third generation liveries: below the "1" of first class coaches there was the Pullman crest and "FIRST CLASS" below that. The red and white stripes as per the original Intercity "Executive" livery. As seen on 72508 of 8209 at Victoria in January 1994.
    Photograph by John Lewis.
  • New
     
    Detailing the changes between the second to third generation liveries: below the "1" the Pullman crest has been replaced by the Gatwick Express double pennants motif and CLUB -Class- replacing first class lettering. The white band has been widened and a narrow burgundy band superimposed on it. As seen on 72505 of 8206 also at Victoria in January 1994.
    Photograph by John Lewis.
  • Jumper
    Cables
    As with all SR multiple operation the jumper cables need only be connected on one side of the train as illustrated here with them connected between the EDL and set N°8303.
    Photograph by Colin Duff.
  • Jumper
    Cables
    Here the jumper cables are on the non-connected side between the EDL and set N°8310.
    Photograph by Colin Duff.

This page was last updated 3 December 2002

SR Target