British Rail Class 465
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| British Rail Class 465 Networker | |
|---|---|
 465014 and another Class 465 approach Chislehurst railway station | |
 The refreshed interior of DMSA 65826 of Class 465177 | |
| In service | 1991 - Current |
| Manufacturer | BREL, ABB, GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell) |
| Family name | Networker |
| Constructed | 1991 - 1994 |
| Refurbished | 2005 (465/9 at Wabtec Rail, Doncaster) 2010 - 2012/14 |
| Number built | 147 trainsets |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | 465001 - 465050 (465/0) 465151 - 465197 (465/1) 465201 - 465250 (465/2. As built) 465235 - 465250 (465/2. Current) 465901 - 465934 (465/9, Converted from 465/2 units) |
| Operators | Southeastern |
| Specifications | |
| Width | 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 4+1⁄2 in (3.77 m) |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight | Total - 136 tonnes (150 tons) |
| Power output | 1,608 hp (1,199 kW) |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC third rail |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 465 Networker electric multiple units were built by GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell) and BREL between 1991 and 1993, and by ABB Rail between 1993 and 1994. They were brought into service from 1991 onwards. They are mostly used on suburban routes serving the South East of England, now operated by Southeastern. These trains have also been occasionally spotted elsewhere throughout Kent including the Kent Coast Line which is normally operated by Class 375 Electrostar trains.
History of the class
Network SouthEast began the planning for the development of the Class 465 Networker in 1988, and invited a tender for 710 of the units to be built. Both manufacturers' units look exceptionally similar in design; the major noticeable differences for passengers are the lack of aircraft-style overhead air vents on those produced by GEC Alsthom, and the BREL and ABB units (465/0 and 465/1) also feature slightly different dot matrix displays on the front and rear of the train to show the route number and destination to the GEC Alsthom units. There are other visible but minor differences in door switches and audible chimes, window shapes and exterior panelling amongst the fleet. In addition, the two units employ different traction motors, which sound different. Despite the differences though, the units can be used interchangeably. Particularly during peak times when longer trains are used, it is quite common to see a train comprising two four car units, one from each batch. Both classes are based on the same body shell as the AC Class 365, and are also similar in design to the diesel Class 165. When first introduced, all seating was standard class only.[1]
Although the units are interoperable, the spare parts for the different units are different.
The maximum speed of a Class 465 Networker is 75 mph (120 km/h) and they are designed only for 750 V DC third rail operation. A Solid State Traction Converter package controls 3-phase AC Traction motors, which allows for Rheostatic or Regenerative Dynamic braking. Primary braking system is Electro-pneumatically actuated disc brakes, which is blended with the Dynamic brakes. Tachometers on every axle of the unit provide for Wheel Slip/Slide Protection. A solid state Auxiliary Converter provides 110 V DC and 240 V AC supplies; this is the source of the loud buzzing noise which can be heard when the train is stationary. On a BREL the Aux Converter is located on the TSO, whereas on the GEC Alsthom there is one each on the TSO and TSOL.
All trains were originally supplied in Network SouthEast livery and branded "Kent Link Networker". Some units were re-liveried in the first Connex South Eastern livery. Most 465/0, 465/1, 465/2, 465/9 and 466 trains are now in the white and charcoal livery of Southeastern with yellow doors, but some are now getting a fresh livery of charcoal with blue doors.[2]
During conversion for use on the outer suburban routes, a batch of 34 Class 465/2 units were given an internal re-fit, including First Class seating, new moquette on the seating, new flooring and revised furniture around the passenger doors. This eliminated the original narrow glass panes in the vestibules, which were a common target with vandals. These units are now classified 465/9.[3] Since the introduction of the Class 395 Javelin trains, some of the outer suburban routes are now operated by Class 375 Electrostar trains.
465/0/1 Traction equipment replacement
In 2007, plans were drawn up to improve overall reliability of the BREL built units (465/0 and 465/1) by the installation of new traction equipment.[4] The new package, commissioned by Southeastern and HSBC Rail was developed by Hitachi Rail who also developed the Class 395 Javelin, brings new technological innovation to the fleet and the equipment is due to be retrofitted across Southeastern's 97 trains over the course of 2009 - 2010. Brush, the suppliers / manufacturers of the original traction equipment have been working as consultants to assist in retro-fitting the new equipment into these trains.[4][5] The first example to re-enter service sporting the new equipment is 465181, which rolled out in March 2009.[5] According to Hitachi Rail, all remaining BREL units should all be converted by April 2010 at the Ashford Depot. The units with the new equipment are easily recognisable, because they sound radically different. Hitachi Completed this process In March 2010.
Refurbishment
Into the early 2000's, nearly ten years of petty vandalism combined with the poor maintenance programme in place by Connex, the company operating them at the time, left the interiors of the units looking very tired and scruffy. Shortly after Connex' contract was terminated, the trains were given a thorough clean-up including the replacement of all of the windows which had been etched by vandals. As a preventative measure, at the same time they were coated in an anti-scratch film which if scratched could be replaced far more easily and cheaply than replacing the glass itself. This proved highly effective and is subsequently in use on trains throughout London, as well as on buses. Other changes included new lighting which made the interiors brighter and less hostile than before.
In 2005, 35 465/2 units (465201-465234) were given an extensive refurbishment. This included new interior panelling, new flooring, new lighting, new seat moquette (in the same grey and blue design as on the Class 375 Electrostars), and the addition of a new first class seating area at the front and rear of the units, amongst other changes. This was done with the intention that they would be cascaded to the outer-suburban routes alongside the Class 375's. They were reclassified as a separate sub-fleet designated 465/9 (465901-465934).
From 2010, the whole of the class 465/466 saw another refresh, with new seating covers and Advertisement posters.
The Class 465/0s & /1s are being repainted at Railcare Wolverton into Southeastern's new livery which consists of Lilac Doors, Midnight blue equipment covers and a Midnight blue band where the Grey/Silver one used to be. In the first few months of this process the 465s were returned in a plain livery consisting of just lilac doors, but 465025 was the first unit to return with the Midnight blue band but the equipment covers remained white. It wasn't until 465151 was returned in early 2011 that we saw the complete livery which now seems to be standard. Since December 2010, The 465s have been returned to Slade Green Depot on a weekly basis and sent up to Wolverton on this basis as well. This process occurs every Saturday. This process is due to finish in early 2012 once all the 465/0/1s have been repainted.
The Class 465/2s/9s & 466s are being repainted At Wabtec Rail, Doncaster into a variation of Southeastern's new livery. It is identical to the livery the 465/0s & /1s are receiving except the vinyl lower band has not been applied. The first 465/9 to be refreshed was 465906 but it was returned in a 'Mistake' livery of just fully painted yellow doors. Since then all units have returned in the correct livery. It seems the 465/2/9s have been put on hold (since April 2011), to allow Wabtec Rail to concentrate on Repainting the 466s, The first 466s to be sent up were 466022 & 466039. Since March 2010 Wabtec Rail had been returning the 465s/466s on a monthly basis. Since beginning work on the 466s Wabtec now return the units every 2-3 weeks. The last unit is expected to leave the works in Early 2014 But if they continue at the current rate, 2013 looks most likely.
Fleet details
Production and numbering
| Class | Introduced | Manufacturer | Number Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 465/0 | 1991-93 | BREL | 465001-050 | - Repainted units:465001-013/015-020/022-050 [2 remaining] |
| Class 465/1 | 1993-94 | ABB | 465151-197 | - Repainted units: 465151-168/170-172/174/177-178/180-185/187-197. |
| Class 465/2 | 1991-93 | GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell) | 465235-250 | - Repainted units: 465235/237/240-241/243 (465249 Due to be taken for relivery in February) |
| Class 465/3 | 1992 | ABB | 465301 | Demonstrator for Universal Networker (Class 365) |
| Class 465/9 | 1991-93 | GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell) | 465901-934 | Converted from 465/2 units. (465201 - 465234) - Repainted units: 465905-907/910/913/916/921/923-924/933. |
Detailed specifications
| Specification | Sub-class / related class | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 465/0 | 465/1 | 465/2 | 465/9 | 466 | |
| Currently owned by: | HSBC Rail | HSBC Rail | Angel Trains | Angel Trains | Angel Trains |
| Operated by: | Southeastern (previously Network SouthEast, Connex South Eastern and South Eastern Trains) | ||||
| Routes used on: | Metro & Outer Suburban | Metro & Outer Suburban | Metro & Outer Suburban | Outer Suburban | Metro, Outer Suburban & Branch Lines |
| Built: | 1991-1993 by BREL, York | 1993-1994 by ABB, York | 1991-1993 by GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell), Washwood Heath | 1991-1993 by GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell), Washwood Heath Refurbished 2005 by Wabtec, Doncaster |
1993-1994 by GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell), Washwood Heath |
| Formation: | DMSO(A)-TSO-TSOL-DMSO(B) | DMCO(A)-TSO-TSOL-DMCO(B) | DMSO-DTSOL | ||
| Construction: | Welded aluminium alloy | ||||
| Doors: | Air powered sliding plug | ||||
| Gangways: | Within 4-coach unit only | Within 2-coach unit only | |||
| Electrical Equipment: | Solid state Traction Converter using GTO inverters. Solid state Auxiliary Converter. Wheel Slip/Slide protection | ||||
| Traction motors: | Four Brush TIM970 three-phase induction motors of 280 kW (380 hp) | GEC-Alsthom G352AY three-phase induction motors of 280 kW (380 hp) | |||
| Couplers: | Tightlock (with underslung electrical/air connector box) | ||||
| Suspension: | Primary: spring Secondary: airbag | ||||
| Bogies: | BREL P3/T3 | SRP BP62/BT52 | BREL P3/T3 | ||
| Maximum speed: | 75 mph (121 km/h) | ||||
| Dimensions: | 20.89 or 20.16 x 2.82 m | ||||
| Train brakes: | Primary: Disc Secondary: Rheostatic (and Regenerative capable but currently disabled) | ||||
| Mass: | 28.6–38.9 t (28.1–38.3 long tons; 31.5–42.9 short tons) | ||||
| Multiple working: | Within Class 365, Class 465 and Class 466. Additionally Class 319 via Coupling Changeover Switch for Assistance/Rescue in the Thameslink Corridor only | ||||
References
- ^ Class 465 and 466 Page - Welcome to the Southern E-Group Web Site. Retrieved 2010-12-17
- ^ Kent Link Networker - Kent Rail. Retrieved 2011-03-18.
- ^ Class 465/9: Wabtec Rail Refurbishment - Kent Rail. Retrieved 2010-12-17
- ^ a b Networkers get a traction transplant - Railway Gazette. Retrieved 2011-03-18
- ^ a b CLASS 465 TRAINS WITH NEW HITACHI TRACTION DRIVE HANDED BACK TO SOUTHEASTERN AS SCHEDULED - Hitachi-Rail.com Retrieved 2011-03-18.
External links
