South West Trains News

shown top to bottom in reverse date order

Four Wessex Electric units were out on the main line on Thursday 17th May during training runs for drivers from Freightliner Heavy Haul between Eastleigh and Basingstoke. Two round trips were made. In the morning 2406 and 2410 were out with the 5Z42 working. In the afternoon it was 2405 and 2413's turn to stretch their legs after confinement with the 5Z43 working. These trips were in preparation for the move of Class 442 units from Eastleigh to Selhurst Depot. Southern are believed to be leasing between 12 and 16 units in connection with the revised Gatwick Express service from December 2008.

(above left) 2405 leads 2413 through Shawford toward Basingstoke during the outward leg of the afternoon circuit.
photograph by Stephen Hodgson

(right) on the afternoon's return leg 2413 and 2405 approach Worting Junction
photograph by Ian Parrish

photographs by Oliver Ashmole

The last Class 442 unit left at Bournemouth TM&RSD, u2416, was delivered to Alstom Eastleigh on 3rd May 2007. There is a rumour that the units in store have already been measured up for vinyl overlays - the big question is for whose livery and for how many units? There is currently informed speculation and projection about the future of Class 442 units but no definitive plan yet!

photographs by Hugh O'Donnell

u2418 and u2423 were moved from Bournemouth T&RSMD to Alstom Eastleigh on Wednesday 18th April 2007 leaving u2416 the last Wessex Electric unit stored on South West Trains property.

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This page updated 7th July 2007 by Colin Duff.
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