Present your case

If there’s a locomotive that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…

Locomotive: Class 442 EMU Gauge: ‘OO’ Proposed by: Peter Burnage

What is it?

Surely, if any train deserves immortalising in ‘OO’ form, it’s the Class 442 ‘Wessex Electric’. Derided by enthusiasts, the ‘442s’ are some of the most reliable EMUS built in Britain. They’ve already been withdrawn and reinstated once, before being withdrawn in 2017. But they’re back once more.

This eye-catching unit was introduced in 1987 after British Rail had extended third-rail electrification to Weymouth. They were launched in a blaze of publicity and did a record-breaking, high-speed run from Waterloo to Weymouth in 1988. They featured exciting ‘mod cons’ such as air conditioning, and their 100mph top speed and disc brakes helped reduce journey times.

The ‘442s’ were based on the Mk 3 coach and affectionately nicknamed ‘Plastic Pigs’, owing to the way the front ends were designed. They were a futuristic design at the time as they replaced the flat-fronted slam door Mk 1 units. But in true Southern style, they reused parts from their predecessors – the traction motors were taken from the Class 432 ‘4-REP’ units.

The units increased their network coverage in the early 1990s and they were introduced onto the Waterloo to Portsmouth line. However, in 2007 they were superseded by the new Class 444s and stored. This didn’t last and, in 2008, they were back on what was known as the South Eastern Division.

Southern leased 18 of the 24 units for Gatwick Express services, but they were soon also used on services to Eastbourne and Brighton. They were stored again in 2017, replaced by Class 387s. But in 2018 they were back on their former stamping ground – as well as working to Portsmouth and Bournemouth – under the South Western Railway banner. You can’t keep a good train down!

What would make it viable?

Launched in the striking Network Southeast livery, these units have received numerous liveries since privatisation. First was Stagecoach’s variation of NSE livery which featured an additional orange stripe. Then came the colourful South West Trains livery, the equally bright Gatwick Express scheme and, finally, South Western grey, which looks rather bland in comparison.

There are some key detail differences too: the layout of the buffet car, which also houses the guard, a mail/ luggage area and originally a ‘snug’ to be enjoyed by users of the buffet car. The model could be made to reflect all these variables and would then span 31 years and several different modelling eras. A modern five-car EMU model, with head, tail and interior lights, would be a dream come true!

Can I see a real one?

Absolutely! Book a ticket on South Western Railway and go for a ride.

Have your say

Do you agree with Peter’s argument? Go to www.model-rail.co.uk and take part in our vote.