British Rail Class 460 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 460 "Juniper"
460 007 at London Victoria
In service	2000
Manufacturer	Alstom
Family name	Juniper
Constructed	2000
Number built	8 trainsets
Formation	8 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers	460001 - 460008
Operator(s)	Southern Gatwick Express
Specifications
Maximum speed	100 mph (160 km/h)
Electric system(s)	750 V DC (3rd rail)
Track gauge	4' 8 1/2"

The Class 460 trains are special electric trains. They are also known as "8Gat" trains. A company called Alstom built them in Washwood Heath between 2000 and 2001.

460002 passing East Croydon

These trains are part of Alstom's "Juniper" family. Other trains in this family include the Class 334 and Class 458. The eight Class 460 trains were the last ones in the "4XX" series. This series is for electric trains that use a special third rail for power in the Southern Region of the UK.

What are Class 460 Trains?

The Class 460 is an electric multiple unit (EMU). This means it's a train made of several cars that can run together. Each car has its own electric motors. These trains do not need a separate engine. They get their power from a "third rail" system. This system uses 750 volts of direct current (DC) electricity.

How Fast Can They Go?

These trains can travel quite fast. Their top speed is 100 miles per hour (which is about 160 kilometers per hour). This makes them suitable for quick journeys.

Where Do They Run?

The Class 460 trains were designed for specific routes. They were mainly used for the Gatwick Express service. This service connects London Victoria to Gatwick Airport. They helped people travel quickly between the city and the airport.

Images for kids

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  Unit 460004, showing the DMSO vehicle

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  The first-class interior of a Class 460 unit

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  Two Class 458/5 units soon after being rebuilt. The continuous window band along the vehicle's side only appears on former Class 460 vehicles – original Class 458 vehicles have windows separated by bodywork.