Fantastic video of a unique part of British railway history! :D I was just wondering, would it be possible for me to use this footage as part of an upcoming documentary I'm creating about the history of the Class 73s?
The British Rail Class 489 (or GLV) was a type of electrical multiple unit, specially converted for use on Gatwick Express trains. For want of a better description they were powered DVTs with 2 x 250 HP, (total 500 HP) traction motors and were also used as a baggage car.
I travelled on these quite a lot and I never found one of these trains even remotely full. Always got a seat, always a comfortable ride and always a view out of the window.
Great stuff ,i remember these with fond memories ,the trains to avoid from Gatwick am time were the 07.50 ,08.05,08.20,08.35 and the 08.50 from Gatwick as these were normally packed as i used to assist on them on revenue duties .Happy days.
The British Rail air conditioned Mark 2 coaches (Mark 2F) originally entered service on the Midland Main Line in the early 1970s and were transferred to the Southern Region during 1983 for use on the Gatwick Express.
the sets were shortened by removal of a 3 car set off peak season, ie during the summer they ran as 8 car passenger coaches and winter as 5 car passenger coaches
I can assure you that I have quite a few clips that would definately fit into the "ropey" category. Luckily my philosophy was to film everything because in time I would be happy that I did. All those boring 47's Multiple units and HST's for example. So by shooting so much I was bound to get lucky sometimes. So just think what will be replacing the 460's in 20 years time. Of course I have never seen one but if I did I would have my camera pointing at it. In time I would be glad that I did.
Airfix and Lima both produced Mk 2d's (I think) which would be suitable. For the 489 driving trailer, I think the easiest choice would be converting a Mk 1 full brake. I already have a loco but I need the rolling stock at present.
My autobiography says that an autistic boy who was a recipient of pinafore eroticism already had an Airfix produced Class 33 diesel electric locomotive (painted British Rail blue complete with the right emblem) and pooled all his loose change and bought Airfix produced Mark 2D/2E/2F air conditioned coaches plus a Mark 1 Griddle car all in no nonsense Inter City blue and grey livery from a toy shop in Croydon.
Excellent video, thanks for posting. What a shame these purpose built trains were replaced. Was there a good reason I wonder like excessive corrosion? I don't suppose so - just let us all pay for new trains that have no character (rant) to save on maintenance / manpower. Can you help on the traction motor power of the non loco car at the other end of the train? Was it fitted with e.g. 2 X 400 HP?
Jonathan Phelan the locomotives (class 73) were designed as general purpose passenger and freight for the 3rd rail network, with he similarly performing diesel class 33 for use on the non-electrified lines on the southern. The auxiliary diesel is quite low power and intended for use in things like yards and sidings. Third rail poses a safety hazard for people on the line so keeping them electric free is a good idea. For freight work there are also industries at the end of short freight only branches where electrification is not economical. The idea of the 73 is to have low speed diesel capability for yard work and branch lines but for mainline running to use the 3rd rail. At complex pointwork and level crossing there are also gaps in the rail that a longer multiple unit train can bridge but locomotives might get stuck in, so having a self-rescue capability makes sense
Still can't quite get my head round the fact that these reliable little locos and all the coaching stock were replaced with the monstrosity that is the class 460! Yuk! Yet another boringly excellent video there John! Can't you do a slightly ropey video to make us amateurs feel better???
