Factfile: ‘2-HAP’ EMU
Prior to the re-classification of all BR locomotives and multiple units to suit the TOPS system, the Southern Region’s class system for its multiple units could be a little confusing. Consisting of a number and three letters, some, such as the ‘5-BEL’ (five-coach ‘Brighton Belle’ Pullman units) were self-evident. Others, such as ‘2-HAP’ for a twocar non-gangwayed units with buckeye couplers and electropneumatic brakes, were much less easy to translate, particularly as the designation covered two batches of units with distinctly different body styles.
The first units to receive the designation were 60 two-car sets with express gearing (numbers 5601-60) built in the post-war years to the Southern Railway’s Bulleid body design and profile. For these, the Southern did as it so often had before and re-used old underframes. Bachmann’s model represents the second incarnation of ‘2-HAP’ as these were the BR standard design to the C1 body profile, matching BR Mk 1 stock. Representing the classic ‘Eastleigh’ styling they featured the less-than-aerodynamic flat front end which could be found on a 57ft non-gangwayed BR Mk 1. These units (numbers 6001-6173) were for fast intermediate services with limited stopping patterns. As such, they were intended to be fully compatible with the 90mph Mk 1-based stock for the Kent Coast electrification and were geared accordingly. BR’S ‘2-HAPS’ – later 2 Class 414 on TOPS – were built between 1957 and 1963. Withdrawals started in 1982 and ten DMBS were turned into luggage vans (Class 489) for Gatwick Express services. The final ‘HAPS’ lasted in service until 1992. 1: BR ‘2-HAP’ 6063 pauses at Kemsing, near Sevenoaks, on December 19 1962. Each unit consisted of a semi-saloon Driving Motor Brake Second seating 84 passengers and a Driving Trailer Composite with 19 First Class and 50 Second Class seats. Only passengers in the composite coach had access to a toilet! COLOUR RAIL
2: ‘2-HAP’ 6078 leads a ten-car EMU through Bearsted in May 1983. ‘2-HAPS’ 6001-6142 were later renumbered in the 42XX series (as Class 414/2) and 6043-6173 took numbers in the 43XX series (Class 414/3). RAIL PHOTOPRINTS
3: Two renumbered units have been preserved, both a long way from the third-rail electrified lines on which they worked: 4311 is in store at Peak Rail, whereas 4308 has undergone extensive restoration at the National Railway Museum’s Locomotion outstation and now carries BR blue/grey on one side and Network Southeast livery on the other.