British Rail Class 419

Infobox DMU
name = British Rail Class 419


imagesize = 300px
caption =
background = #D5005E
Manufacturer = BR Eastleigh
Formation = Single car
Built = 10
InService = 1959 -
Weight = 45 ton
Capacity =
MaxSpeed = 90 mph 145 km/h
Brakes = Air (EP/Auto), also fitted with Vacuum exhauster for hauling vacuum brake fitted van stock
Engine = 2 x 250 hp traction motors
total 500 hp (373 kW)
Operator = British Rail|The British Rail Class 419 Motor Luggage Vans (or MLV) were built from 1951-61 by BR at Eastleigh Works.

Description

Ten of these units were built for the boat-trains from London Victoria to Dover and Folkestone. Units were originally numbered in the range 68001-68010, but were classified class 419 under the TOPS system and were then renumbered 419001-419010, the numbers actually carried on the units in service reduced to 9001-9010, omitting the first two digits.

These unit are also fitted with batteries to allow them to powered over the short-distance of non-electrified line at the quayside. The batteries allowed the units to be used at low-speed for 20-30 minutes, and recharged whilst the unit was taking power from 750V DC third-rail.

Units were withdrawn from traffic in 1991/92, with the closure of Dover Western Docks station, resulting in the end of the boat-train services.

Prototype

The design of these units was based on an earlier vehicle, numbered 68000, which was used as a parcels van on the Tyneside DC electrified network. This unit was withdrawn when that network was de-electrified in 1967.

Departmental service

After withdrawal from normal service, the entire fleet was transferred to departmental service as Class 931 tractor units. One unit, no. 9006, was damaged in an accident at Ramsgate in 1994, resulting in it being withdrawn and subsequently scrapped. Two other units, nos. 9003 and 9009, were specially repainted in old liveries (BR Blue and LSE "Jaffa Cake") by staff at Strawberry Hill depot, to commemorate its closure in 1995.

The majority of units were withdrawn for a second time in 1997, and were dumped at Bournemouth depot, pending disposal. However, two units, nos. 9001 and 9002, remained in use at the depot as shunters. The first was retired in 1998, and subsequently preserved. Unit 9002 was retained by South West Trains until 2004, when it was replaced by former 4Cep unit 1512.

Preservation

Surprisingly, all except two of these units has been preserved. The one unit was scrapped after an accident whilst in service, and the other was scrapped due to being beyond restoration.

The first unit to be preserved was first-built no. 9001, which was saved in 1998 after a high-profile campaign by the [http://www.epbpg.co.uk/ EPB Preservation Group] . It was bought to power the group's preserved 2EPB unit, no. 5759.The units dumped at Bournemouth were put out to tender in 1999, and were bought mainly for use as storage vehicles. Their ability to move under battery-power has also allowed limited passenger use.The final unit to be saved was no. 9002, which has now joined its former Bournemouth shed mate at the East Kent Railway. The table below gives details of the current (as of 2007) locations and fates of the Class 419 units. The East Kent Railway has taken delivery of 68008 ex the Coventry Railway Centre.cite web |url=http://www.epbpg.co.uk/preservation.htm |title=Preservation Report |accessdate=2008-02-25 |author=EPB Preservation Group |date=Autumn 2007]

Fleet details

External links & References

* [http://www.epbpg.co.uk/ EPB Preservation Group - owners of preserved units 9001 and 9002.]
* [http://www.semgonline.com/gallery/class419_01.html The Southern E-Group page on the Class 419s or MLVs.]