21st August 2001
Brand-new South Western Trains Class 458 EMU no. (45)8026 arrives at 11.13 on what I believe was a test run. These Alstom-built "Juniper" DC third-rail units were delivered between 1998 to 2002, the bodyshells constructed in Spain and fitted out at Alstom's facility in Washwood Heath.
There were originally 30 of these 4-car units but later in their life they were reformed into 5-car units using spare cars from the Class 460 EMUs which SWT disbanded. The Class 458 units had a troublesome start to life, with many faults delaying their introduction to service and although still part of the fleet of the successor to SWT, South Western Railway, their future is unsure and I believe that some are being reduced to 4-car formations again.
There were originally 30 of these 4-car units but later in their life they were reformed into 5-car units using spare cars from the Class 460 EMUs which SWT disbanded. The Class 458 units had a troublesome start to life, with many faults delaying their introduction to service and although still part of the fleet of the successor to SWT, South Western Railway, their future is unsure and I believe that some are being reduced to 4-car formations again.
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Also in: Eastleigh, Hampshire
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