The Class 444 (along with the very similar Class 450) was ordered for South West Trains to replace slam door stock on long-distance services running on the former Southern Region Western Section [1]. They can mostly be found on London Waterloo to Weymouth and Portsmouth services.
SWR 444 040 heads through Worplesdon
Information
Number built:
225 cars (45 5-car sets)
Built:
2003-04
Builder:
Siemens Transportation
Motor:
1TB2016-0GB02 traction motors (750v DC third rail)
Power:
2, 682 hp (2, 000 kW)
Formation:
Driving Motor Standard Open (DMSO)+Trailer Standard
Open (TSO)+TSO+Trailer Standard Buffet (TSRMB)+
Driving Motor Composite Open (DMCO)
The Class 444 differs from the 450 in being a five car set and with a low-density seating arrangement [2] better suited for longer journeys. Like the Class 450, the 444s are equipped with a pantograph well and could be converted in future to 25kV AC overhead line electric collection though there are no plans for any such conversion.
Like most new types the 444s had a few teething problems when entering service but quickly became very reliable units and indeed received the Golden Spanner award for being Britain's most reliable trains in 2010 [3]. They are now operated by SWT's successor South Western Railway.
444 009 at Farncombe
444 005 at Milford
SWT 444 013 at Guildford
SWR 444 004 passes through Farnborough
SWT 444 003 at Clapham Junction
SWR 444 003 at Godalming
[1] Colin J. Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 344 [2] John Balmforth, South West Trains (Ian Allan, 2011) p. 66 [3] Siemens Desiro Class 444 wins award as most reliable train <http://www.transportweekly.com/pages/en/news/articles/78314/>
