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British Rail Class 403 facts for kids

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Southern Railway 5-BEL
British Rail Class 403
Pullman 284 'Vera' at London Victoria.JPG
Former 5BEL car, 284 Vera at London Victoria on 15th August 2003. This car was previously in unit 3052, and is now owned and operated by VSOE
In service 1932–1972
Manufacturer Metropolitan Cammell Carriage, Wagon and Finance Company
Constructed 1932
Number built Three sets (15 cars)
Number preserved 14 cars
Number scrapped 1 car
Formation 5 car set: DMBPT-TPFK-TPFK-TPT-DMBPT
Fleet numbers Sets 2051–2053 (later 3051–3053);
Cars 279–293
Capacity 40 First, 132 Third
(DMBPT: 48, TPT: 56, TPFK: 20)
Operator(s) Southern Railway (1933–1941, 1946–1947);
British Railways (1948–1972)
Line(s) served London to Brighton
Specifications
Car body construction All steel
Maximum speed 75 miles per hour (121 km/h)
Weight Total - 249 tons
Traction system Eight 225 hp (168 kW) traction motors
Power output 1,800 hp (1.342 MW)
Electric system(s) 660–750 V DC
Current collection method Third rail
Braking system(s) Air
Track gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)

The Southern Railway (SR) gave the designation 5BEL to the 5-car all-Pullman electric multiple units built to work the prestigious Brighton Belle trains between London Victoria and Brighton. These units survived long enough in British Rail ownership to be allocated TOPS Class 403. Between 1933 and 1935 the units were designated 5PUL (the 'PUL' code was then used for the 6PUL units).

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