Semi-fast ‘slammer’

FEW BR Class 414 2-HAP third rail EMUs remained in their original formations after the mid-1980s following the formation of 2-CAP EMUs; building of Gatwick Express GLVs and withdrawal of the heavily asbestos contaminated later builds of 2-HAP units between 1982 and 1984. This left a single 1951-type unit and a handful of 1957-type Phase 1 and Phase 2 units to see renumbering under the TOPS numbering system as Class 414 in 1987.

The class was introduced in 1957 and built in four batches with notable external detail differences important to modellers existing between them. The Kent Coast electrification project created the need for middle suburban EMUs with better facilities than EPB stock including First Class accommodation and lavatories. A similar need on the South Western Division saw a total of 173 two-car units introduced between 1957 and 1963. The unit code arises from the use of lavatories in the DTC trailers: ‘Half Lavatory Electro-Pneumatic’ – convoluted to say the least.

Whilst similar 2EPB stock was geared for