British Rail Class 483 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 483 |
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Class 483, no. 483001, pictured in 1989. At the time, the line was operated as part of Network SouthEast.
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| In service | 1938 on London Underground 1989-present on Island Line |
| Manufacturer | Metro Cammell |
| Formation | 2 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 84 seats |
| Operator(s) | Island Line Trains |
| Depot(s) | Ryde depot |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 45 mph |
| Weight | 55 tonnes |
| Power output | 500 kW |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC 3rd rail |
| Track gauge | Standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 483 trains are special electric trains. They are known as electrical multiple units (EMUs). This means they are powered by electricity and have their own engines. These trains were first built by Metro Cammell in 1938. They were made for the London Underground, where they ran for almost 50 years!
After their long service in London, these trains got a big makeover. Between 1989 and 1992, they were updated at Eastleigh Works. This was so they could be used on the Isle of Wight's Island Line. They replaced even older trains there, the Class 485 and Class 486 units. Those trains were originally built in 1923 for the London Electric Railway.
What are Class 483 Trains?
The Class 483 trains are made up of two cars. Each train can carry 84 passengers in seats. They weigh about 55 tonnes. These trains can reach a top speed of 45 mph. They run on 750 volts of direct current (DC) electricity. This power comes from a third rail system. The trains are kept and maintained at the Ryde depot on the Isle of Wight.
From London to the Isle of Wight
The Class 483 trains started their life deep underground in London. They were part of the London Underground 1938 Stock fleet. After many years of service, they were chosen for a new role. The Island Line on the Isle of Wight needed new trains. The tunnels on this line are very narrow. This meant that only smaller trains, like those from the London Underground, would fit.
The trains were carefully moved from London to the Isle of Wight. They were then refurbished, which means they were repaired and updated. This gave them a new life. They started running on the Island Line in 1989. These trains have become a familiar sight on the island. They have served tourists and locals for many years.
Images for kids
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Interior (left) and exterior (right) door open/close buttons retro-fitted to the BR Class 483 units.
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483006 stands at Ryde Pier Head in 2007, sporting its dinosaur livery intended to atrract tourists to the line.
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484001 stands next to 483009 at Ryde Traincare Depot, illustrating the difference in loading gauge between the ex-deep-level Tube Class 483 unit and the ex-sub-surface Class 484 unit
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Island Line No. 008 arrives at Ryde Pier Head, wearing the currently used livery based on that of London Transport.
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Island Line Class 483 EMUs No. 002 and 007 at Ryde Electric Depot.
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Class 483 unit No. 001 on display at Ryde depot in 1989, shortly after transfer to the Isle of Wight. It carries British Rail's Network SouthEast livery.
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Dinosaur liveried 483006 at work with Island Line in June 2008.
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Island Line Class 483 No. 007 departs Smallbrook Junction, with a service bound for Ryde Pier Head.
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Island Line Class 483 No. 008 arrives at Shanklin.
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Class 483 "Island Line" train - geograph.uk - 1407091.jpg
A pair of Island Line Class 483s in London Underground livery entering the Ryde tunnel.
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483007 Jess Harper at Shanklin on the final day of the fleet's service for the Island Line
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483007 Jess Harper post-withdrawal, preserved at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Train Story exhibit.
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Bogie of a British Rail Class 483 at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Train Story exhibit.
