Class 442 ‘Wessex Electrics’
DELIVERED to Bournemouth depot in 1988 as a replacement for the South Western Division allocated 4-REP third rail EMUs and 4TC trailer units, the 24 five-car Class 442 EMUs modernised long distance services on the Waterloo-Bournemouth line and the then recently electrified line between Poole and Weymouth. The EMUs were based on Mk.3 stock, fitted with power plug doors – a new feature for British rolling stock at the time.
The design concept was new for both BR and the former Southern Region, with the vehicles being based on the 23-metre long Mk.3 coach and fitted with sealed passenger saloon windows and air-conditioning. The trailers were recognisable in having the same
