View text source at Wikipedia

SR class 3Sub

For the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway AC electric multiple units, see SR Class CP, SR Class CW, and SR Class SL.

Southern Railway 3-Sub Units
South Eastern division electric multiple units sandwich a trailer set. Orpington, 1928
In service1915-48
Formationpower car + trailer car + power car
OperatorsLondon and South Western Railway, Southern Railway and British Railways (Southern Region).
Specifications
Maximum speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Prime mover(s)Early units: 4 x 275 hp (205 kW) traction motors
total 1,100 hp (820 kW)
Later units: 4 x 250 hp (190 kW) traction motors
total 1,000 hp (750 kW)
Braking system(s)Air (Westinghouse)
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)

The class 3SUB were DC suburban electric multiple units, introduced by the London and South Western Railway in 1915. They were constructed by the Southern Railway in the period up to 1939, and though the class designation 3SUB was not used by the Southern Railway, some authors refer to these units as 3SUB. When rebuilt to four cars in the 1940s, they became class 4SUB.

Background

[edit]

The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSC) was the first of the three major companies that were to form the Southern Railway to electrify some of its lines in London.[1] The lines were electrified at 6.7 kV 25 Hz AC, using overhead supply. Public services began on 1 December 1909.[2]

The London and South Western Railway (LSWR) electrified its lines on the third rail DC system. Public services began on 25 October 1915.[1]

In 1922, the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) sought permission to electrify certain lines in London. On 1 January 1923, the LSBC, LSWR and SECR were merged into the Southern Railway (SR).[3]

Classes

[edit]

LSWR electric multiple units and trailer sets

[edit]
A motor carriage from unit E43 (later 1243) is preserved.

Eighty-four electric multiple units, numbered E1–E84, were constructed in 1913 by converting steam-hauled carriages which had been built from 1904 for suburban service. The conversions being carried out at Eastleigh Works. Each multiple unit comprised two motor coaches and a trailer. The units were either 157 feet 5 inches (47.98 m) or 159 feet 5 inches (48.59 m) long, depending on whether a 49-foot (14.94 m) or 51-foot (15.54 m) trailer was included. The units weighed 95 tons.[4] They seated between 172 and 190 people in first and third class. These were the first trains on the LSWR not to offer second class accommodation.[5] Electrical equipment was by the British Westinghouse Company, each motor carriage had two 275 horsepower (205 kW) electric motors.[4] In 1914, 24 two-coach trailer units were constructed at Eastleigh to work with the multiple units. Each comprised an eight-compartment and a nine-compartment carriage. The trailer sets were either 105 feet (32.00 m) or 107 feet (32.61 m) long and weighed 46 tons.[6] They were third class only.[7] The SR renumbered the electric multiple units 1201-84 and the trailer sets 1001-24.[8]

In 1933, eight units were transferred to Brighton to work local services to Worthing. First class accommodation was reduced to 24, whilst third class was increased to 160. These units returned to London in 1934 and regained their original configuration on the introduction of the 2NOL units.[9] In 1934, some of these units were rebuilt. The motor carriages were given new underframes and lengthened. New motor and unpowered bogies supplied. As rebuilt, they were 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m)long. They seated 56 first class and 180 third class passengers. Weights varied between 109 and 114 tons.[9]

SR electric multiple units and trailer sets

[edit]
One of the SR units tackles a flood at Kew Bridge station.

These units were built by the SR. Most of the units and trailer sets were converted from steam-hauled carriages.

Sets 989-1000

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1937-38. One carriage was a ten compartment ex-LSWR carriage. Each set was 121 feet 5 inches (37.01 m) long and weighed 51 tons.[9] A total of 51 suburban electric vehicles were destroyed by enemy action during WWII.[10]

Sets 1025-37

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1925 from ex-LBSC nine-compartment bogie third carriages. Used with units 1285-1310. Each set was 115 feet 2 inches (35.10 m) long and weighed 50 tons. They seated 180 third class passengers.[11]

Sets 1038-1050

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1934.[9]

Sets 1051-1120

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1925 from ex-LBSC nine-compartment bogie third carriages. Used with units 1401-95 and 1525-34. Each set was 115 feet 2 inches (35.10 m) long and weighed 50 tons. They seated 180 third class passengers.[12]

Sets 1121-67

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1928 for use on Eastern Section services. Each set comprised an ex-LSWR eleven compartment carriage and an ex-SECR eight compartment carriage. Each set was 113 feet 8 inches (34.65 m) long and weighed 49 tons. They seated 190 third class passengers.[12]

Sets 1168-80, 1187

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1928 from ex-LBSC carriages, incorporating underframes from ex-CP motor carriages. Each set was 115 feet 2 inches (35.10 m) long and weighed 50 tons. They seated 190 third class passengers.[13]

Sets 1181-86

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1929-30 from ex-LBSC carriages. Each set was 113 feet 8 inches (34.65 m) long and weighed 49 tons.[13]

Sets 1188-94

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1934.[9]

Sets 1195-1198

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1934 from ex-LSWR carriages. Each set was 129 feet 4 inches (39.42 m) long and weighed 54 tons. They seated 190 third class passengers.[13]

Sets 1199-1200

Two-coach trailer sets converted in 1937-38. One carriage was a ten compartment ex-LSWR carriage. Each set was 121 feet 5 inches (37.01 m) long and weighed 51 tons.[9]

Units 1285-1310

Three-coach units built new in 1925 for Waterloo to Guildford via Cobham services.[14] The motor carriages were built by the Metropolitan Carriage Wagon & Finance Co. Ltd. and the trailers were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Co. Ltd.[15] All vehicles had steel panels on a teak frame. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd. Each unit was 181 feet 8 inches (55.37 m) long and weighed 105 tons. They seated 28 first and 120 third class passengers.[15]

Units 1401-95 and 1525–34

Three-coach units converted from ex-SECR four- and six-wheel carriages at Ashford Works and Brighton Works. Electric motors were by Dick, Kerr & Co. Ltd., rated at 300 horsepower (220 kW). Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 108 tons. They seated 56 first and 180 third class passengers.[15]

Units 1496-1524

Three-coach units built new for use on Eastern Section services. The motor carriages were built by the Metropolitan Carriage Wagon & Finance Co. Ltd. and the trailers were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Co. Ltd. All vehicles had steel panels on a teak frame. Electric motors were by Dick, Kerr & Co. Ltd., rated at 300 horsepower (220 kW). Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 109 tons. They seated 56 first and 180 third class passengers.[15]

Units 1579-84

Three-coach units converted in 1937 from ex-LSWR bogie carriages. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). Fitted with electro-pneumatic control gear. Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 112 tons.[9]

Units 1593-99

Three-coach units converted in 1934-35 from ex-LSWR bogie carriages. Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 109 tons.[9]

Units 1601-30

Three-coach units converted in 1928 from ex-SECR bogie carriages. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 108 tons. They seated 56 first and 180 third class passengers.[16]

Units 1631-57

Three-coach units converted in 1928 from ex-LBSC bogie carriages. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 104 tons.[16]

Units 1658-1701

Three-coach units converted in 1928 from ex-LSWR bogie carriages. Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 108 tons. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). They seated 56 first and 180 third class passengers.[16]

Units 1702-72

Three-coach units converted in 1928 from ex-LBSC bogie carriages. Units 1717-70 were converted from the overhead electric units formerly used on the ex-LBSC lines. Each unit was 193 feet 5 inches (58.95 m) long and weighed 104 tons. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW).[17]

Units 1773-85

Three-coach units converted in 1930 from ex-LSWR bogie carriages. Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 110 tons. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). They seated 56 first and 180 third class passengers.[16]

Units 1786-96

Three-coach units converted in 1928 from ex-LSWR six-wheel carriages. Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 110 tons. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). They seated 56 first and 180 third class passengers.[16]

Units 1797-1801

Three-coach units converted in 1930 from ex-LBSC bogie carriages. Electrical equipment was by Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co Ltd., motors were rated at 275 horsepower (205 kW). Each unit was 193 feet 8 inches (59.03 m) long and weighed 104 tons. Unit 1801 was renumbered 1600 in April 1934.[16]

Units 1901-08
Further information: SR Class 2SL
Units 1909-12
Further information: SR Class 2Wim

Class 4SUB

[edit]
Main article: SR Class 4Sub

From 1942, units 1201-84, the LSWR-built units, gained an additional ex-LSWR trailer of ten or eleven compartments. Those that gained a ten compartment carriage were renumbered 4131-71. They were 256 feet 9 inches (78.26 m) long, weighed 139 tons and seated 353 people. Those that gained an eleven compartment carriage were renumbered 4195-4234. They were 257 feet 5 inches (78.46 m) long, weighed 139 tons and seated 350 people.[18] In 1945, units 1285-1310 each gained a new ten compartment trailer and were renumbered 4300-25. They were 245 feet 0 inches (74.68 m) long, weighed 133 tons and seated 350 people. In 1945-46, units 1496-1524 each gained a new ten compartment trailer and were renumbered 4326-54. They were 257 feet 5 inches (78.46 m) long, weighed 137 tons and seated 370 people. All other three car units also gained a new trailer between 1946 and 1948. They were renumbered 4401-4594, 4601-08, and 4613-14. Weights varied between 132 and 140 tons and they could seat between 358 and 370 people. Units 4111-30 and 4364-76 were built new in 1946-47.[19] British Railways built further batches; 4277-99 in 1948-49, 4621-59 in 1949, 4653-4709 in 1950 and 4710-54 in 1951.[14][19]

Departmental service

[edit]
Further information: British Rail Class 930

Unit 1782, which became unit 4579 when reformed as a 4SUB, was withdrawn from passenger service in 1956. It reverted to three carriages and entered departmental service as an instruction unit, numbered S10S. One carriage was converted to provide lecture and projection facilities. Later renumbered 053,[20] the unit was withdrawn in December 1975.[21]

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
Main article: Battersea Park rail crash (1937)
Main article: South Croydon rail crash

Wartime losses

[edit]

Fifty-one suburban electric carriages were destroyed by enemy action during WWII.[10] Incidents where vehicles were destroyed or severely damaged include:

1940
1941
1942
1944
1945

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Dendy Marshall & Kidner 1963, p. 145.
  2. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 8–9.
  3. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 20–21.
  4. ^ a b Moody 1979, p. 16.
  5. ^ Glover 2001, p. 18.
  6. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 18–19.
  7. ^ Glover 2001, p. 20.
  8. ^ Moody 1979, p. 77.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Moody 1979, p. 82.
  10. ^ a b Moody 1979, p. 110.
  11. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 78–79.
  12. ^ a b Moody 1979, p. 79.
  13. ^ a b c Moody 1979, p. 81.
  14. ^ a b Welch 2003, p. 7.
  15. ^ a b c d Moody 1979, p. 78.
  16. ^ a b c d e f Moody 1979, p. 80.
  17. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 80–81.
  18. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 109–10.
  19. ^ a b Moody 1979, p. 111.
  20. ^ Welch 2003, p. 50.
  21. ^ Moody 1979, p. 259.
  22. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 58, 81.
  23. ^ Report on the Accident at Charing Cross on 19 September 1928 (PDF) (Report). Ministry of Transport. 17 October 1928.
  24. ^ a b c Moody 1979, p. 83.
  25. ^ Moody 1979, pp. 69, 83.
  26. ^ Trevena 1981, p. 25.
  27. ^ Moody 1979, p. 98.
  28. ^ (Waddon accident report) (PDF). Ministry of War Transport. 18 January 1943. Retrieved 23 May 2015.
  29. ^ Nock 1983, pp. 178–81.
  30. ^ Earnshaw 1991, p. 31.
  31. ^ a b Robertson 2010, p. 26.
  32. ^ Robertson 2010, pp. 24–25, 27–28.
  33. ^ a b Robertson 2010, p. 27.
  34. ^ a b c Robertson 2010, p. 29.
  35. ^ a b c d Robertson 2010, p. 30.
  36. ^ a b Robertson 2010, p. 35.
  37. ^ a b c d Robertson 2010, p. 36.
  38. ^ a b Robertson 2010, p. 40.
  39. ^ a b Robertson 2010, p. 41.
  40. ^ a b c Robertson 2010, p. 42.

Sources

[edit]