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replaced its
original push-pull stock with eight 8 car class 460 Juniper
units, and whilst routine maintenance was taken into account when ordering this quantity
it does leave things rather tight to run normal services if more than a single unit is out
of action. Accordingly took advantage of ' under utilisation of its class 458 Juniper units to
first sub-lease and then lease directly 8001 ad 8002 as a reserve train. Both units were
moved to Stewarts Lane on 2nd September 2005. The units will only be used if sufficient
460s are unavailable, likely to be after 2030 when maintenance cover may be required,
estimated no more than 70 days a year. Both units have had their
livery rebranded , had luggage racks installed and seating converted to 2+2. Unlike the
remaining 458s these units have not had RVAR compliant passenger information
displays fitted. An exemption order for for 8001 and 8002 was applied for on October 14th
2005, granted on March 28th effective 4th April 2006. However, 8001 (not a stranger to
inactivity) and 8002 did not move out of Stewarts Lane until June 30th 2006 (ironically
due to be the last day of 458 operation on )
when they finally went for a test run on the Wimbledon loop. As far as the webmaster has
been able to establish they have yet to carry passengers for their new masters. These two
units returned to on 15th December 2006 and it is presumed they are now being modified and
returned to specification. (upmost left) 8001 at Stewarts Lane soon after
arrival in September 2005. (upper left) 8001 in basic
livery re-branded to Gatwick Express. (left) The interior of the
PTSO of 8001 converted to 2+2 seating. |
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(left) The
wheelchair space in the PTSO of 8001 in its new 2+2 seating configuration photograph by Belgian Marine |
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(left) In this
picture of the interior of 8001 the luggage racks have yet to be installed but a seating
bay has been removed adjacent to the door vestibule. photograph by Belgian Marine |