Hello. Today I’m going to be suggesting the BR class 442 EMU. This is a 3rd rail 5 coach electric multiple unit capable of reaching speeds of 100mph. These trains are the fastest 3rd rail train ever, reaching a speed of 108mph once. Here is a video of one of these units. Here is a photo (not mine) Here is some more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_442
A great addition that could set the way for use on a future SWR route. Various liveries to choose from also starting with NSE Wessex right through to SWR dark blue and grey.
This is probably one of the more likely BML DLCs given that DTG already has reference material from making the TS version, and services can be simply substituted in from the GX Class 387 services (it wouldn't look too out of place as the Class 442 did run alongside the Class 387 during their final year in service). This, the Class 455 and Class 700 would be the most ideal DLCs for this route.
BR didn't want to publicise this but the 4REP was faster A Solo REP was used during early Eurostar development and was radar clocked at 117mph on the Tonbridge straight!
The more the merrier in my book. I’ll gladly purchase additional rolling stock DLC if a) it’s not a rehash of something we already have; b) looks accurate; c) performs and sounds accurately.
If added they are the fastest third rail unit 110 mph 180 kmh record speed back in 1988. Traction motors are of Vossloh type.
The original traction motors were English Electric 546 x4. These were later replaced by Kiepe Electric AC motors.
Which didn't work - hence the units are being Scrapped - I suspect SWR will be getting a refund from the Contractors
That was back in 2018 when AC motors were equipped and if they're being scrapped due to Class 442 being a Mk3 based EMU best option for DTG is go to their TMD to take proper measurements and sound recording
I think very likely it will happen at some point Why? Remember when dtg posted the wrong picture? They response was This was the original plan, and concept art
Correct but for BML they might need a different traction motor sound otherwise stuck with 2018 Vossloh Kipe Ac motors. Something that the community might dislike
I remember them too and used to avoid the ‘Plastic Pigs’ in favour of a ‘real’ unit with slam doors - how times change!
Even if dtg dont ever plan to produce a 442, the list of 3rd party developer will grow and there might be a chance it gets picked up by one of them.
No-one knows what the New Motors sounded like - they did a couple of in depot runs and NR didn't like what they saw and they never ran on the network with the new motors. I understand they were so off spec that SWR rejected them.
Kinda, they did run; there was a cacophony of issues with them well before the motors but there were a couple units completed as AC doing commercial work pre-covid but then ‘NR owned equipment’ began getting affected and they were quickly withdrawn again