Latest modifications to South West Trains ‘458s’

South West Trains now has six five-car Class 458/5s in traffic, with another two set to follow.

In traffic are 458502/531-535. Next will be 458501/458503, with 458504 being commissioned at Wimbledon.

The last three electric multiple units were converted from 458001/003/004. They were extended by inserting Motor Standard Open 74431 (from 460001), Trailer Standard Open 74441 (from 460001) and MSO 74451 (from 460001) respectively into the EMUs.

Currently being converted at Wabtec Rail’s Doncaster facility are 458005/020/030, which will return to SWT as 458505/520/530. That will leave 458006-019/021-029 to be treated. Additionally, 458536 remains at Doncaster. This was converted entirely from redundant Class 460 vehicles.

N For more information on SWT’s Class 456 fleet, see RAIL 762, published on November 26