British Rail Class 488 facts for kids
The British Rail Class 488 trains were special passenger coaches used for the Gatwick Express service. These trains connected London Victoria in London to Gatwick Airport. Unlike many trains, the Class 488 coaches didn't have their own engines. They were "unpowered trailer sets," meaning they were pulled or pushed by other powerful trains.
These coaches were actually older Mark 2F coaches that were updated and changed specifically for the Gatwick Express route. They started serving passengers in 1973 and continued until 2005.
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 488 |
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488313 at London Victoria on 18th March 2003. This was one of the last six sets in service with Gatwick Express until its withdrawal in 2004. It has since been preserved.
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| In service | 1973-2005 |
| Manufacturer | BREL Derby |
| Operator(s) | Gatwick Express |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 66ft 0 1/2in (20.12m) |
| Width | 9ft 3in (2.82m) |
| Height | 12ft 9 1/4in (3.89m) |
| Maximum speed | 90mph (145km/h) |
| Weight | 105 tonnes |
Contents
What Were Class 488 Trains?
The Class 488 trains were not like typical self-powered trains. Instead, they were passenger coaches that were specially changed for a specific job. They were designed to carry people quickly between London and Gatwick Airport.
How Were They Made?
These coaches started their life as regular Mark 2F coaches. These were common passenger carriages used across Britain. However, for the Gatwick Express, they needed to be different. They were sent to BREL Derby, a company that built and repaired trains, to be converted.
Why Were They Unpowered?
The Class 488 coaches were "unpowered" because they didn't have their own engines or motors. This meant they couldn't move by themselves. They always needed another powerful train, like a Class 73 or Class 47 locomotive, to pull or push them along the tracks. This setup was efficient for the Gatwick Express service.
Where Did Class 488 Trains Operate?
The main job of the Class 488 trains was to serve the Gatwick Express route. This was a dedicated train service for travelers going to and from Gatwick Airport.
The Gatwick Express Service
The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service. It runs between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport. It's a very popular way for air travelers to get to the airport quickly. The Class 488 coaches were an important part of this service for many years.
How Fast Could They Go?
Even though they were unpowered, the Class 488 coaches could travel quite fast when pulled by a powerful locomotive. They had a top speed of 90 miles per hour (145 kilometers per hour). This speed helped ensure that passengers reached the airport on time.
When Were Class 488 Trains Used?
The Class 488 trains were in service for over 30 years. They played a key role in airport travel during that time.
Years of Service
These trains began their service in 1973. They continued to operate until 2005. This long period shows how useful and reliable they were for the Gatwick Express.
What Happened to Them?
After many years of service, the Class 488 trains were eventually replaced by newer, more modern trains. Some of these coaches have been saved and preserved. This means they are kept in good condition so people can see them and learn about their history.
