The Wessex Electrics - Class 442

Happy New Year everyone! :D
Reviving the long dormant practice of dedicated InterCity express trains on the Southern Region, the Class 442 Wessex Electrics, through their distinctive style and use of the proven Mark III coach as their underpinnings, took 1960s technology and tailored it to the railway market of the 1980s, creating what is officially the world's fastest third-rail electric powered train, but one that was so specialized for its function that its eventual withdrawal from top line expresses would inevitably herald a lack of potential ongoing users, and its unavoidable downfall.
Chapters:
0:00 - Preamble
0:59 - South West Electrification
3:52 - Class 442 Development
7:49 - Class 442 Entry into Service
10:09 - Teething Problems
12:24 - Network Southeast Years
14:42 - Southwest Trains Ownership
17:53 - Gatwick Express Era
21:29 - South Western Railways and Final Withdrawal
24:12 - Conclusion
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References:
- Network SouthEast.co.uk (and their respective sources)
- Kent Rail (and their respective sources)
- Wikipedia (and its respective references)

[@fenderac3049]

I clearly remember these class 442 units coming into service In 1988. Travelling on them was a revelation compared to the slam door stock, with comfortable seating, air conditioning, a fully carpeted interior and a buffet service. I must admit I missed them when they were replaced by the class 444 units, but the newer units were just as nice to travel in.

[@Martindyna]

The Class 442 had more comfy seats than the Class 444 and was more cosy imo but otherwise the Class 444 was superior technically. I remember the 442s were very quiet and refined (unless you were sitting in the power car) apart from a strange `boiling egg' knocking noise at low speed. In the powered car(s), which contained the Buffet & Snug IIRC, it could be clearly heard terrible wheelsip in wet conditions, showing up the age of the design of the traction motor control equipment (resistance control, probably combined with series / parallel connection) and the relatively few powered axles compared to the norm nowadays.

[@peterjohncooper]

Thank you. For those of us who have lived and worked along this corridor, the rise and fall of the Class 442s and their comfort and speed has long been a puzzle. Well done for sorting it all out.

[@DaveSCameron]

Sort the strikes out, took me 2 days to get from Liverpool to London this week!!

[@TheChipmunk2008]

@@DaveSCameron hah!

[@TheChipmunk2008]

tickets were so dang cheap, and just so reliable. If they did that today, trains might not be a joke these days. (joke meaning 'how bleeding much', rather than 'this is inefficient')

[@lrjtherailwayguy]

You know its a good day when he uploads

[@thatlittlefox.]

True.

[@gwyneddboom2579]

Yep, Saturdays are nice

[@DaveSCameron]

Shame it's bloody trains though...

[@lrjtherailwayguy]

@@DaveSCameron there's nothing wrong I like his train episodes not the others tho

[@DaveSCameron]

@@lrjtherailwayguy I'm sorry for a offense and reading it again I have to say that I wrote it down ambiguously, all I wanted to express was my love for Rorys Aircraft and motor car shows and I never have connected with trains. Best wishes all for 2023 👍

[@charlesmoss8119]

I remember when they came out - such a change and modernisation from what came before - and air conditioning - suddenly my regular trips from Bournemouth were on another level and a really nice buffet area where you could have a drink and chat and a cigarette - gosh times have changed 😂

[@PlainlyDifficult]

They were great trains! Shame they are gone :(

[@richardwillson101]

Bet you used to see them a lot in your "corner of South East london" 😉

[@robllan]

Great documentary Rory! I feel there’s a valuable lesson in the story of this fleet which has still not been learned by the DfT. The 442’s ultimately became stranded assets due to lack of future proofing in the design specification. This remained the case with the class 220 DEMU Voyagers and so many other EMU and DMU fleets including the Class 195s that are still rolling off the production line today! As rolling stock engineer who has managed billions of dollars worth of procurement contracts, I can honestly say that the marginal cost to ensure that a fleet can easily be retrofitted to serve alternative sections of Britain’s railway network is marginal. All that is needed is to achieve future proofing aims is to provide provisional space for a pantograph in the carbody of at least one trailer car and to ensure the same car also has space for a transformer. Finally, to provision for HT bus cables spanning the full length of the rake. This philosophy can even be applied to DMU’s to make it cost viable to retrofit to electric propulsion; provided the modification is done whilst the asset is still young. Unfortunately, the whole setup of the franchise system, doesn’t motivate the right decisions when it comes to Capex investment. Therefore, if the government is serious about reducing carbon impact it must legislate through the DfT to make certain rolling stock design provisions mandatory for Britains railways. As things stand right now, literally thousands of multiple unit cars shall be destined for the scrap heap prematurely. Not reaching the 35 year design life is and should always be considered a strategic failure!

[@richardwillson101]

Forward thinking has never been the remit of the British railway franchises, as they are only interested in their current contract. I do believe that SWT looked to order Bimodal 3rd rail/Diesel sets for its Exeter - Waterloo route, but they lost the franchise to SWR who didn't openly show any forward planning for the replacement of DMUs running into London. Despite fast approaching government rules on Diesel emissions in the City. If GBR comes to fruition, the future and not the short term should be their focus. Being pro active in providing a sustainable, reliable, cost worthy service to the travelling public. Rather than constantly reacting to everything by throwing money at it with little forward investment. Get those non electrified lines sorted, or force development of more bi-modal units to allow greater flexibility and future proofing in case of major electrification.

[@michaelpickford4294]

These units were well loved. The snug was the place to be and always lively on a Friday evening!

[@andeegreen]

Thank you for all of the research and time you’ve spent on this subject. I grew up in dorset with the 442s and was gutted when they disappeared from the Weymouth line. Travelling to chef college at Bournemouth, I managed to fall asleep standing up against the door, only to get deposited onto the platform when the train pulled in. 😂😂😂 Also, the snug - these were amazing places. Often the best place on the train, especially when delayed. I remember one Christmas Eve, we were delayed by a few hours(!) so we all had a few drinks and celebrated! Often a boiling pot on a Saturday, you’d see all kinds of football shirts in there. Some great conversations and singsongs (& the occasional fight) erupted in those snugs with a few cans of McEwans.

[@thomasthornton2002]

Another fascinating documentary, shame these units didn’t see more service they just have such a unique look with the wrap around windows would have loved to see more of them

[@K-o-R]

Their short time running under SWR they were very nice inside.

[@paulashley2707]

Thanks once again for yet another superb, well-researched video. Just imagine if the British rail industry had had the investment it deserved back in the 70s and 80s - they’d still one of the big players today. The 442s were just one of many fine designs produced on a tight budget. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@souvikrc4499]

It's actually pretty impressive seeing what BR was able to accomplish during the 1980s, considering the shoestring budget they were operating on at the time.

[@pokeboi5438]

@@souvikrc4499A good foundation with the Mk3

[@charlesmoss8119]

I seem to remember the buffet was a wonderfully social area when these came out - a nice G&T on the train home and real social clubs existing among the regular commuters - though I dread to think of some of those leaving the station car park were really in a fit state!

[@joelightrailway2362]

It very sad 😢 that these amazing class 442s were withdrawn as well, you know what happen to them. These trains were amazing to see in action as well riding on them and that was a great experience that I will never forget.

[@allyreneepenny9447]

Yes that's true.

[@DukeDudeston]

It's sad, SWR were planning on bringing them home although running the pompy line. But due to issues decided not to and send them for scrap. It's ironic that these purpose built trains can't run on the line it was designed for. They had run down to pompy in the past. I remember getting on one between Woking and Guildford when I made my journey to Reading.

[@richardwillson101]

Its not sad, they were old, outdated and provided numerous issues during testing for re introduction post overhaul. - Signal sighting, Power consumption, turning signals to danger. The truth is that SWR should never have considered their reintroduction. They should have been cut up years ago instead of going into storage. Such a monumental waste of £45 million when the operator and network could have done with that investment elsewhere. Such as bi modal trains for Exeter - Waterloo, which I believe SWT had been looking to order before withdrawal of the franchise from them.

[@simonpreston]

I remember the Gatwick Express days. These were so nice to ride on. Smooth and quiet. A far cry from the rubbish we have now.

[@davidashton3396]

I travelled in these units quite often on Victoria to Eastbourne services (2010-2012) and it was so nice to see one approaching the platform instead of the ubiquitous Southern class 377s. As it says in the video, comfortable, stylish and like a proper inter-city train. It’s a shame they have gone..😊

[@McRocket]

I have no idea why people have this passion for steam trains (other than the occasional, exceptional one). They were inefficient, finnicky, uncomfortable for the crews, produced masses of black smoke and could even explode. I get diesels. But, to me? Electrics are, by far, the best. Thank you for this. ☮

[@limeyfox]

Those first class Mark 3 compartments are the nicest stock that I’ve ever travelled in on British railways, that includes Mark 1 steam heated compartments.

[@PadisherCreel]

In another life I lived in GB in Petersfield. I expect due to the length of the stock the speed of the 442s was always restricted until they had cleared the tunnel south of Petersfield station compared to the speed of the CIGs still being used. I liked travelling in the 442s, and using the NSE GBP5 1st class supplement on their travelcard back then, always chose a 1st compartment.

[@mikehindson-evans159]

Thank you for an excellent summary of these long-distance greyhounds. These transported me swiftly, comfortably and safely from Winchester (or Southampton Airport Parkway) to Waterloo over the decades from 1989 through to the next century. An excellent documentary - much appreciated.

[@browhatthatinsane34]

When I see a video uploaded by Ruairidh Macveigh 6 minutes ago I know I'll watch it

[@andrewbeer4715]

We used to visit my Gran in Weymouth once or twice a year. Often we went by car, but sometimes we had to go by train. I remember the original arrangement with the 4 REPs, 4 TCs and class 33s. The change over to diesel at Bournemouth wasn't always swift though. I also remember the shortage of trains whilst the 4 REPs were being withdrawn, there were often long delays at Bournemouth around then. When the Wessex 442s were introduced they were a game changer the reduction in journey time meant that we tended to take the train rather than drive down to Weymouth. The units had a lovely modern look inside, though I always found that the seats were a little bit too upright to be comfortable on the long journey from Waterloo. The introduction of the 442s also helped bring about the demise of the Weymouth harbour ferry terminal services as the tramway could not be 3rd rail electrified (I doubt the Wessex units would have managed the curves anyway), requiring older diesel hauled MK1 stock to be diagrammed for ferry services.

[@frasermitchell9183]

Back in the 80s when working for the Director Operations, I was once involved in an IT scheme to record carriage washing and discharges of controlled emission toilets on the 442s. We actually bar-coded the units, and the CET operator used a barcode reader to take the unit ID when the tanks were pumped out. The info was then uploaded to a mainframe system. There was also to be equipment installed to record carriage washing, (time, date and type of wash). Needless to say, with the demise of the Director Operations, it was all abandoned ! However my scheme for recording coach defects on the Anglia Intercity fleet using barcodes and a barcode reader in the conductors compartment was a success, and in use for many years. This sent the info over cellular radio. I was told by the radio team at the BRB it would never work.

[@N330AA]

The amount of material you put out is remarkable.

[@patrickyorke3028]

I travelled to Waterloo from Bournemouth everyday from 1997 to 2005 on the 442. I did the same journey in the late 80's and compared to the Slam Doors they seemed 'Space Age'. They were so comfortable.

[@macjim]

While on holiday, I’ve travel in both the old slam door & Wessex electric stock. The slam door ones were very powerful and fast, and heavy too… they were solid vehicles. The Wessex electric stock were a transformation…

[@RobSchofield]

The WE 442s were pretty nice trains, from a passenger perspective. I used them every Friday evening and Monday morning between Wareham and Clapham Junction for 2 years. They were regularly standing-only outbound from Clapham, but to some extent this was tolerable as the trains were clean and fast. One thing they seemed to suffer from was wheel flats - you could pretty much guarantee being in one carriage with a wheel banging hard somewhere under the floorboards... One of the few memorable train sets I've used over the years comparing them to HST sets, Dutch NS double deckers and German DB ISB and ICE trains.

[@benammiswift]

Another weird idea that was proposed for the 442s Was in the Transpennine Express Franchise Agreement for the current holder where it proposed using 442 to increase capacity on Transpennine network working as trailers sets with Class 68s, the Nova 1 was the result of another option within the contract but it sure would’ve been interesting to see

[@wurlyone4685]

Absolutely fabulous units from a passenger perspective in their original NSE and SWT guises, much lamented on the long distance routes from Waterloo. Their replacement units on those routes don't even come close - except in access/egress (the step up into the vestibule and narrow bodyside doors were a pain, especially for the mobility impaired).

[@lukegreen5341]

7:25 I've Used To Go On The South West Trains Class 442 Express Passenger Train From London Waterloo To Bournemouth Via Southampton Central Back In August 2015 And It Was Super Awesome And A Bit Like A British Rail InterCity 125 High Speed Diesel Electric Express Passenger Train As Well Too. Thanks Mate. X

[@scottdyke7853]

Great video. Loved travelling home on the Wessex Electrics following an evening shift, the buffet bar was a useful feature to help decompress from work mode.

[@cannedham8630]

Very futuristic looking trains in the NSE livery from 30 years ago!

[@davidblore3629]

Great video, brings back great memories. I worked on production of the 442 units at BREL (Derby) and followed delivery of 2401 - 2424 for commissioning and modifications at Branksome for a couple of years.

[@stevecooksley]

Great video which also showed the demise of great liveries over the years. The 442 would have looked great as the Intercity Swallow.

[@ModernHistory4U]

I remember commuting on these between Eastbourne and London Bridge. They were so much better and more comfortable than the class 377 that operate the route now.

[@matthewsmatters]

Truly love your content. Utterly gutted to say I never got a ride on a 442. On a rare occasion, I used the Gatwick Express from the airport to Brighton, in their limelight days here. Alas, missed the 442 by mere seconds, owing to a very slow and lazy staff member providing my passenger assistance at Gatwick. I heard a 442 arriving and asked him to hurry so I could catch this service. Oh no, I was told, we cannot hurry, and besides, there’s another train coming. That next train, of course, was not a 442.

[@gb9727]

The 442 lives on in the form of a single carriage

[@NJRD977]

During the Gatwick express service years, they also used to run rush hour services from Eastbourne to London Bridge (IIRC 2 up in the morning and 2 down in the evening)

[@tremensdelirious]

Oooh, a railway upload. *gets a brew, comfy seat and settles down

[@jonathanscripps917]

I loved these units,, I used to ride them up and down from Brighton to Victoria in their later years,, smooth, comfortable, almost a bit grown-up when compared with the Electrostars. I was sad to see them parked up at Eastbourne carriage sidings before their last hurrah, cut short by the government's reckless response to corona-bollocks.

[@markclifton14]

Very good video. Sad to see these sets scraped. I used to go on these every year from Bournemouth to Weymouth when on holiday. The original interior of these were very comfortable. Probably one of the best I’ve traveled in.

[@JayJay-nc7pr]

The Wessex Electrics were the basis of a proposed rolling stock for main Kent routes, this predated the networker and electrostar trains. They would have operated on the Victoria to Ramsgate & Dover via Bromley & Medway route, the Charing Cross to Ramsgate via Sevenoaks and Charing Cross to Gillingham & Ramsgate via Woolwich Arsenal

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

1:02 that’s clan line now preserved as of today

[@MRTransportVideos]

The Class 442s were a classic example of an oportunity missed, as just imagine if NSE had specified an Overhead-powered varient (Class 342?) that could have taken over longer distance services NSE services out of Liverpool Street, King's Cross & Euston, as well as an InterCity varient to take on the Wolverhampton/Crewe/Manchester, and Doncaster/Leeds/York diagrams as a way of replacing Class 86/87-hauled stock. Maybe a diesel version would have been a technical step too far, but....

[@nobby3265]

Could've happened if it wasn't for the two faced tories privatising the railways and everything else in the 90s

[@MRTransportVideos]

I didn't want to get political, as my intent was to look at the technical potential of the type gaining varients, in order to gain more traction (no pun intended) in the rails of the country. The privatisation of the rail network did stifle any realistic chances of those varients being considered, if management and BREL had gone down that route.

[@justandy333]

Another superb video and one close to my heart as I grew up with the wessex electric trains. As a suggestion for a future video would be the history of the Class 60's and despite their awesome tractive effort being taken out of regular main line running and more or less left to rot in some cases. Lack of funding being cited on numerous occasions. I'd love to see a video about these beasts!

[@DennosManCave]

Had a few great trips on a Wessex! Very quiet, very comfy.

[@PaulGodfrey]

I really miss these units they were excellent trains. The bar car and cafe were a great feature.

[@djsmeguk]

Used to love commuting from Southampton to London on these in the 90s. Nice and comfy and always a bit of seating room.

[@ThatScottishAtlantic57]

An entertaining video as always Ruairidh, can't wait for more. 👍

[@lindsaypickett6146]

I traveled on this. It was such a great train!

[@AVFCAM]

As always, an excellent presented video. Pacing is on point, tone is good, video excellent. Pretty much what you expect from your videos now, really great work!

[@grahamdeamer128]

Whilst waiting for a train at Poole station sometime in 2018 or 2019 what should appear first heading towards Bournemouth was a long locomotive hauled train of at least three of these sets all in Gatwick Express livery. This was much to the amusement/puzzlement of myself and everyone else waiting on the platform. Now at last the mystery is solved thanks to your video.

[@10C45E]

I just discovered this rail class and I love it, it looks so sleek compared to similar models. I'm sad to discover that it went out of service in 2021 just as I discover this fascinating piece of rolling stock!

[@patrickyorke3028]

By the way, I forgot to say what a fantastic video production, thank you for the great memories and insight.

[@brianfretwell3886]

I certainly remember the transition days with 2 class 73s on the head of all 4TC rakes passing through Clapham Junction and a part refurbished 4TC (hopper windows and class 319 Thameslink seating in half of one car) on the "Kenny Belle". Also a trip back from Bournemouth on a rake of 4CEP stock.

[@mozeskertesz6398]

My favourite BR train

[@joelightrailway2362]

Same here

[@andysedgley]

"This is a great film about Class 442 operations." "In Dorset?" "Yes, I'd recommend it to anyone."

[@GoldM4official]

Thank you, i always NEEDED this video!

[@mdhazeldine]

Great video. I thought I knew a lot about these units but your research dug up a lot of facts I had no clue about! These were great units. I used to see them go past my house and school every day as as a kid and I was lucky enough to have a ride on one at one point. Shame they're gone now, but I guess times move on. Seems like the 458/4s might be coming into service soon. I heard the project is back on and the first unit is ready.

[@owenchuarbx]

I personally had encountered 442408 (County of Dorset) during my travels in 2014 while it passed me at Clapham Junction P11 on a return run from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria. Although I had never ridden onboard, I get goosebumps seeing how fast they ran despite the limitations of third rail. Truly, the Wessex Pigs are also deserving of this nickname, "King of the Third Railers" ,for their record as the fastest train to ever be powered by third rail.

[@04clemea]

To be fair the units they took their traction equipment from, were the king of the 3rd rail. The 4REP's were 3200hp 4 coach Mk1's. On test, one reached 130mph. They were much quicker than the Wessex electrics, but were used to build the Wessex units.

[@coastaku1954]

My favourite EMU in Train Simulator, got a mod that adds the Network Southeast livery too

[@mindthegapplease3840]

I've been on the 5Wes Class 442s once from Guildford to Havant I wish I went on them more times.

[@HCR_Motorhead]

I can vouch for their comfort and they were a common sight on the network past my home town. The newer stock taking on the Portsmouth and Southampton services are a step up though so their demise was inevitable.

[@Transportationspotting]

I do feel sorry for the class 442’s just because they were unlucky Excellent video

[@joelightrailway2362]

It sad they’re gone, it angers me personally as a train enthusiast, I personally think people are so stupid to get rid fantastic trains of 1980s

[@kevanhubbard9673]

One of the few cases were a EMU/DMU might be regarded as a 'proper train '!

[@aarphotos5]

I believe that Northumbria Rail are modifying their class 442 driving trailer to be able to work as a DVT to a HST power car

[@TheChipmunk2008]

These were soooooooo familiar to me as a resident of southampton. Network Southeast... I had a network card... :) wish i still had it

[@AFCManUk]

Man! The late 80's/early 90's were a Golden Age for Trainspotters...So many new Classes being introduced!

[@EM-yk1dw]

Excellent film once again.

[@allyreneepenny9447]

Very beautiful trains ❗👍

[@auntbarbara5576]

Thank you Rory! 👵😚

[@trainsmachineryldegmtrains3509]

Great movie! Thumbs Up

[@marksinthehouse1968]

I dispatched them on platform 12 at CLJ when on Gatwick services that stopped late night or Sunday DOO then ,the money SWR wasted on them ,but looked smart in the grey livery

[@SportyMabamba]

I got a 442 to the airport once, a pleasant surprise

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

These were quiet and comfortable trains but weren't so well suited when they were used on commuter services. Getting on and off could be especially difficult due to the single sized doors at the ends of the carriages, people standing in the aisles and vestibules and platform staff trying to keep things running to schedule at intermediate stations leaving little time for civilised entry and egress. Thanks for another excellent video.

[@DDJP]

God I miss the ol' Piggies 😔 Great video though, thank you for covering the exquisite 442s 👌

[@somax1259]

i remember one time i saw one speeding through i think it was east Croydon? and there was also (it may have been a different time) an old heritage steam train on the far side of the station my guess it was a battle of Britain class

[@andrewbrown6786]

You are correct - these units were converted to provide for Gatwick Express services out of London Victoria, along with some rush hour services to Brighton and Eastbourne.

[@CarbonC50]

Great subject matter as always.

[@zanelindsay1267]

Great presentation all around! Unusually large third rail sparking at 18:37 ?

[@jerrydavies3784]

There’s one in the bournemouth west siding right now

[@berlinmitte10117]

Excellent video

[@ChangesOneTim]

What bloody nice trains the Plastic Pigs were, Great shame. Discussion did take place from time to time on extending 3rd rail from Worting to Exeter, but I recall that by the time the 442s were looking for a new home (they would have been ideal candidates for that route) the ORR had a bee in its bonnet about 3rd rail as too dangerous a workplace for track staff and was implying that it would not sanction any new schemes.

[@Martindyna]

I don't get why they were called `Plastic pigs' can you explain please?

[@ChangesOneTim]

@@Martindyna The mouldings around the cab fronts made them resemble children's toy pig.

[@benGBRf]

So many classic units been scrapped recently. The 442 being one of them. So sad to see them go. I still think they had something to offer but unfortunately circumstances didn't go well for them. Great video as always.

[@AndrewG1989]

Wish that South Western Railway would of kept the Class 442 “Wessex Electrics” for London Waterloo-Weymouth & Bournemouth direct service. Or London Waterloo-Portsmouth Harbour via Guildford direct service. So sad that the Class 442 have been scrapped because of lots of issues.

[@darrennicholson7671]

It’ll be interesting for you to do the history of the Desiro’s. Especially with the Class 444’s, 450’s, 350’s, 185’s and 360’s

[@TheDancingGamer01]

Electrostars/Turbostars too, Thay are just as succesful as the Desiros

[@bfapple]

So you’ve just listed all the Desiros anyway lol.

[@darrennicholson7671]

@@TheDancingGamer01 Completely agree. Both have had their own successes respectively.

[@darrennicholson7671]

@@bfapple Just about! 😂 Only mentioned them as they came into service around the same time.

[@williamwebb6178]

I was also reading that the Class 442s that would had needed more modifications and had to be compliant and to be fully accessible by 2024 to meet Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)

[@owenbuddery3441]

I would like you to show the importance of the class 455/456 units to their revenue in service

[@Busandtrain123]

He doesn’t take requests.

[@stuartaxon2898]

Did they have to do some work to get these on the Brighton line due to the length of the mk3?

[@kevinellis8869]

I commuted from Branksome to Waterloo between 1991 and 1996, many a convivial evening in the buffet. The units were comfortable but as with their successors (444s) couldn't cope with the amount of luggage carried by holidaymakers and cruise passengers.

[@zebedep]

Great video!

[@mikemidulster]

Excellent!

[@emeraldzebra9360]

These were one of the UK's best electric sets, should have put a pantograph on the roof and I bet they would still be running!

[@daveb0789]

Are there any dc motored emus still in use on SWR?

[@yui4779]

I've been waiting for a history of them and can you please do history of Gatwick express

[@Busandtrain123]

He doesn’t take requests.

[@yui4779]

@@Busandtrain123 Oh okay.

[@andrewphillips4508]

Could you please consider doing a video on the old br conductor emi ticket machine ❤

[@chops9884]

Now were talking... Couldn't care really about some of the more obscure car brands but the class 442 is right up my street.... or track!

[@waleedarif6740]

I would have loved to see the 442s in the Southeastern livery, probably the only livery that the Javeline Class 395 has carried, and I would have also loved to see them in the GNER livery. Those would have been classics. I think those liveries, especially the GNER liveries would have best suited the 442s but I suppose that GNERs was only for those for high speeds of at 125 MPH or more.

[@TheHylianBatman]

Very interesting.

[@mrsparklepants1705]

Great video 👍👍👍👍

[@CCA2020]

I miss these trains man

[@BPJJohn]

Preservation or modification to overhead power would have been a better choice for these unique Locomotives, such is the lack of foresight in this country.

[@TheArkamedBat]

Within the cabinet, we have coq, coq, coq, two cox...