British Rail Class 465

British Rail Class 465 Networker

Southeastern 465037 stands at London Victoria on a service from Orpington.

The refreshed interior of 465242
In service 13 October 1992 - Current[1]
Manufacturer BREL, ABB, GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell)
Family name Networker
Replaced
Constructed 1991 - 1994[2]
Refurbishment
Number built 147 trainsets
Formation 4 cars per trainset
Capacity 348 seats (465/0, 465/1, 465/2)[2][3]
Operator(s) Southeastern
Specifications
Car length
  • 20.89 m (68 ft 6 in) (DMSO, DMCO)
  • 20.06 m (65 ft 10 in) (Other vehicles)[3]
Width 2.81 m (9 ft 3 in)[3]
Height 3.77 m (12 ft 4 in)
Maximum speed 75 mph (121 km/h)[2][3]
Weight Total - 136 tonnes (133.9 long tons; 149.9 short tons)
Power output 1,608 hp (1,199 kW)
Electric system(s) 750 V DC third rail
Current collection method Contact shoe
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 1992 and operated by British Rail until 1997, then by Connex until 2003, South Eastern Trains until 2006 and then Southeastern to the present day.

They are mostly used on suburban routes serving the South East of England, although they 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.[4] The Class 465 was introduced in order to replace the 41-year-old Class 415 (4EPB) EMUs.[5]

All trains were originally supplied in Network SouthEast livery and branded "Kent Link Networker".[5] Some units were re-liveried in the first Connex South Eastern livery. All 465/0, 465/1, 465/2, 465/9 and 466 trains are now in the white and charcoal livery of Southeastern with blue doors.

Two manufacturers

The easiest way to tell the two makes apart: The BREL unit on the right has air intakes above the main windows; the GEC Alsthom on the left doesn't.

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 (465/2), and the BREL (465/0) and ABB (465/1) units also feature slightly different dot matrix displays on the front and rear of the train to show the route number and destination, compared 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.[4]

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 share many similarities with the later dual-voltage Class 365, and are also similar in design to the diesel Class 165. When first introduced, all seating was standard class only. 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.

Traction equipment replacement

In 2007, plans were drawn up to improve reliability of the BREL, ABB built units (Class 465/0 and 465/1) by the installation of new traction equipment.[6] The new package, commissioned by Southeastern and HSBC Rail was developed by Hitachi Rail who also developed the Class 395, was retrofitted across Southeastern's 97 trains over the course of 2009 - 2010. Brush, the suppliers / manufacturers of the original traction equipment worked as consultants to assist in retro-fitting the new equipment.[2][6][7] The first example to re-enter service was 465181, which rolled out in March 2009.[7] The units with the new equipment are easily recognisable, because they sound similar to the Class 395.

Refurbishment

Some Class 465/2 EMUs were given a 'Networker Weald' refresh - one of those treated was 465907 and is seen at Ashford International.
The interior of the First Class area, aboard the DMCO vehicle. 12 First Class seats are located behind each driving cab. This has since been changed to a black/purple seat moquette.
The refreshed interior of a Standard Class saloon, aboard the TSO vehicle. This has since been changed to a purple/black seat moquette.

Into the early 2000s, 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, 34 465/2 units (465201-465234) were given an extensive refurbishment.[1] 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.[1] This was done with the intention that they would be cascaded to the outer-suburban routes alongside the Class 375's and to be replaced by the Class 376 on inner suburban services. They were reclassified as a separate sub-fleet designated 465/9 (465901-465934) and to replace the life expired Class 423 4 VEP slam door stock which came to an end of their useful lives on outer suburban services to Kent and which did not meet up with modern health and safety requirements and which finally was withdrawn in October 2005.[1]

From 2010, the whole of the class 465/466 saw another refresh, with new seating covers and Advertisement posters.

The Class 465/0s & Class 465/1s were repainted at Railcare Wolverton into Southeastern's new livery which consisted 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 occurred every Saturday. This process was finished on 21 May 2012 once all the 465/0/1s had been repainted.[8] The last 465 to be repainted '465014', had been taken to Railcare, Wolverton on 28 April 2012.

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.

Interior

At present, only the Class 465/9 trains of the group have first class accommodation, as these operate on longer distance services. None of the Class 465 trains have tables or even pull down trays in Standard Class. This goes also for the Class 466 trains.

Fleet details

465027 Arrives at Bromley South.
Class 365 cab interior; Class 465 and 466 are similar.

Production and numbering

Class Introduced Manufacturer Number Range Comments
Class 465/0 1991-93 BREL 465001-050 - Repainted units: 465001-050 (All Completed)
Class 465/1 1993-94 ABB 465151-197 - Repainted units: 465151-197 (All Completed)
Class 465/2 1991-93 GEC Alsthom (Metro-Cammell) 465235-250 - Repainted units: 465235-250 (All Completed)
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: 465901-934 (All Completed)

Detailed specifications

 Specification   Sub-class / related class 
 465/0   465/1   465/2   465/9   466 
Currently owned by: Eversholt Rail Group Eversholt Rail Group 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
Electrical Equipment: Hitachi IGBT inverter technology 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 20.06 x 2.81 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 only)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Class 465/466: Kent Link Networker Page 3 - Kent Rail. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Class 465 Electric Multiple Unit - Eversholt Rail Group. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  3. 1 2 3 4 465/2 - GEC-ALSTOM - Angel Trains. Retrieved 2013-04-09.
  4. 1 2 Classes 465 and 466 - Welcome to the Southern E-Group Web Site. Retrieved 2010-12-17
  5. 1 2 Class 465/466: Kent Link Networker Page 1 - Kent Rail. Retrieved 2013-01-01.
  6. 1 2 Networkers get a traction transplant - Railway Gazette. Retrieved 2011-03-18
  7. 1 2 CLASS 465 TRAINS WITH NEW HITACHI TRACTION DRIVE HANDED BACK TO SOUTHEASTERN AS SCHEDULED Archived April 30, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. - Hitachi-Rail.com Retrieved 2011-03-18.
  8. ↑ http://www.eversholtrail.co.uk/news/eversholt-rail-group-completes-class-465-0-and-465-1-fleet-refurbishment
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