| Information | |
|---|---|
| Number built: | 418 (209 2-car sets) |
| Built: | 1956-63 |
| Builder: | BR Eastleigh |
| Engine: | 2 EE507EA traction motors (660-750v DC third rail) |
| Power: | 500 hp (373 kW) |
| Formation: | DMBSO (Driving Motor Brake Standard Open)+DTC (Driving Trailer Composite) |
The initial batch of 2-HAPs were based on Southern Railway designs, using recycled underframes from withdrawn 2-NOLs, and indeed were among the last EMUs built from these production jigs[3]. The next 2 batches were based on the Mark 1 coach, those in the third and final batch were among the last new units built at Eastleigh. The initial batch was later known as the Class 414/1 with BR designed 2-HAPs known as 414/2 and 414/3.
Over the years they saw a number of modifications, some of the SR design 2-HAPs lost their first class accommodation for a time and were renamed 2-SAPs [4]. Others were reformed into 4 car EMUs known as the Class 413 4-CAP. Ten withdrawn DMBSOs were converted into motorised luggage vans for use with the Gatwick Express as Class 489 1-GLVs.
Although some units were withdrawn in the early 1980s the Class 414 remained in service until 1995 and saw nearly 40 years in service. Two sets have been preserved, one is being restored as part of the National Railway Museum sponsored Project Commuter.
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| 4311 preserved at the Electric Railway Museum |
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| 4308 preserved at NRM Shildon |
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| Project Commuter restoration work at Shildon |
[1] Brian Haresnape & Alec Swain, Third Rail DC Electric Multiple Units (Ian Allan, 1989) p. 51
[2] David Brown, Southern Electric Vol 2 (Capital Transport, 2010) p. 198
[3] Alan Williams, Southern Electric Album (Ian Allan, 1977) p. 69
[4] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 318