Gatwick Express: Classes 488 and 489

These trains entered service in 1984, replacing modified 4Vep units on workings between Victoria and Gatwick Airport. However, they were not new, being converted from existing rolling stock. Passenger vehicles comprise Mark 2f locomotive-hauled carriages formed into two- and three-coach units. These carriages are air-conditioned and have manually-opened, hinged external doors.

The two-coach units, class 488/2, are made up of a first class and a standard class vehicle. The three coach units, class 488/3, are all standard class. The units do not have driving cabs or collector shoes and are powered by a class 73 locomotive and a motor luggage van, converted from a 2Hap motor coach. Trains are normally formed of a luggage van, a class 488/2 unit (with the first class carriage next to the van), a class 488/3 unit and the locomotive. The locomotive is usually at the south end, so that the van and first class carriage are by the platform entrance at Victoria. Before most of the fleet was withdrawn, trains often included two class 488/3 units.

The 2Hap motor coaches required considerable rebuilding to convert them into luggage vans, which were classified 489. This included fitting a corridor connection at the non-driving end. Significant alterations to the Mark 2f carriages included being fitted with electro-pneumatic brakes and 27 way control jumpers, as used on the Mark 1 units. All except the centre vehicles of the class 488/3 units had to be equipped with a handbrake. A number of seats and one of the two toilets were removed from each carriage in order to allow provision of additional luggage racks. Tables were removed from the standard class coaches. Further racks were fitted in 1988, reducing seating capacity from 56 to 48, but tables were reinstated. Units have buckeye couplers. Maximum speed is 90 mph. Vehicles are painted off-white and dark grey, with a red stripe.

Most of the stock has been replaced by class 460, but there are not enough of these units to operate the service. Therefore, two of the old trains remain in use. Some carriages have been sold or leased to other operators, including GB Railways, Wyvern Rail and Northern Ireland Railways. Others have been acquired by Network Rail for departmental use.