Refurbished 456 units in service

photograph by Andy Robertson

The refurbished Class 456 units have not appeared as quickly as expected but the first few to return to Wimbledon have now entered service. The first test runs took place on 7th November 2014 when 6003 + 6014 + 5734 ran from Wimbledon to Guildford.  The first passenger run was on 10th November with 6014 + 5734, the train running as 6 car vs. 8 car as unit 6003 failed with a motor alternator fault.

Above, 456003 and 456014 coupled to 455734 pass Clapham Junction on an up working on the 25th November 2014. As the new "call for aid" system has been activated on the 456s they can only work in multiple with Class 455s that have also had their system activated. The "call for aid" system on Class 455s was installed during the C62 overhaul programme at Bournemouth T&RSMD, but the units have re-entered service with it de-activated. Only 5734 has so far had it re-activated.

Delivery to Wimbledon dates (all by road) so far have been:
6003 27th June 2014 (for "launch" purposes, later returned to be completed)
6014 26th September 2014
6003 (as a completed unit) overnight 1st to 2nd October 2014
6015 23rd October 2014
6006 18th November 2014

Incidentally, as the refurbishment programme has been running slowly two of the Southern Green units 6017 and 6018 which had been running on Guildford – Ascot services have run "out of miles" and have gone to Wolverton (by road) to be overhauled.
6017 departed 11th November 2014
6018 departed 10th November 2014