British Rail Class 418

Summary

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British Rail Class 418 (or 2-SAP) was a class of electrical multiple unit commissioned by British Railways Southern Region in England. The units were formed by declassifying the first class accommodation in selected 2-HAP units. They were employed mainly on semi-fast suburban routes such as the South West Main Line as far as Weybridge, Waterloo to Reading Line, Staines to Windsor Line and Hounslow Loop Line.

British Rail Class 418
5934 at Virginia Water in 1979
In service1969-1970, 1974-1980, 1982-1983
ManufacturerBR Eastleigh
Number built63 units converted from 2-HAP
FormationDMBSO - DTS
OperatorsBritish Rail
Lines servedSouthern Region
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Train length132 ft 8+12 in (40.450 m)
Car length63 ft 11+12 in (19.495 m)
Width9 ft 3 in (2.819 m)
Height12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) (overall)
Entry3 ft 9 in (1.14 m)
DoorsSlam
Wheelbase
  • 46 ft 6 in (14.17 m) (bogie centres)
  • 8 ft 9 in (2.67 m) (motor bogie)
  • 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) (others)
Maximum speed90 mph (140 km/h)
Weight
  • 42 t (41 long tons; 46 short tons) (DMBSO)
  • 32.5 t (32.0 long tons; 35.8 short tons) (DTS)
Traction motors2 × EE507[1]
Power output2 x 250 hp (190 kW)
500 hp (370 kW)
HVACElectric
Electric system(s)750 V DC third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
UIC classificationBo′2′+2′2′
Bogies
Braking system(s)Air (EP/Auto)
Coupling system
Multiple working1951, 1957, 1963, 1966 SR Emus
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

Class 418/0 edit

14 units were converted from Bulleid design 2-HAP units in 1969. First class was restored in 1970 and they regained their former identities. They would have become class 418/0 under TOPS but reverted to class 414 before being reclassified.

Class 418/1 edit

40 2-SAP units numbered 5901-5940 were converted from 2-HAP units (in the 6001-6042 range, not numbered consecutively) between March and May 1974. First class was restored between February and July 1980 and they regained their former identities, with the exception of unit 5917 which was scrapped in 1978 following a collision. Many were incorporated into 4-CAP units.

2-HAP unit 6039 (previously 2-SAP unit 5937) was converted back into a 2-SAP, this time numbered 5939 (the second 2-SAP unit to carry that number, the previous being 2-HAP 6041) in June 1982. It was withdrawn in April 1983 and scrapped.

Class 418/2 edit

2-HAP units 6043 and 6044 were converted to 2-SAP units 5941 and 5942 in April 1974. They were followed by 2-HAP units 6045 to 6053 converted to 2-SAP units 5943 to 5951 respectively in May 1977. 5951 was converted back to a 2-HAP in October 1977 and the remainder converted back between February and April 1980. All regained their original identities. Many were incorporated into 4-CAP units.

References edit

  • Hugh Llewelyn (2016). EMUs A History. Amberley Publishing. pp. 489–491. ISBN 978-1445649832.
  1. ^ Vickers, R.L. (1986). DC Electric Trains and Locomotives in the British Isles. Newton Abbot: David and Charles. p. 79. ISBN 0715386743. OCLC 839555538.

Further reading edit

  • Marsden, Colin J. (1982). EMUs. Motive Power Recognition. Vol. 2. Ian Allan. pp. 88–89. ISBN 9780711011656. OCLC 16537600.