There is a lot I have learnt about my local trains, class 444s, since joining this forum, and one of those things is that they can be retrofitted with pantographs to enable running on 25kv AC lines. It’s a good idea but surely if it’s designed for dual voltage, they should have a 3xx TOPS classification, not 4xx. The 377s which operate Southern routes also predominantly run on third rail and are designed for dual voltage so why is it that functionally similar SWR Desiros get allocated 4xx?
I notice that nearly every 3xx designation has been used while there are still plenty of 4xx spare, so maybe this could be the reason. In fact, the only 4xx units in service that don’t appear to be on their way out are the 444s, 450s, 465s, 466s and Island Line 484s. It’s not like there aren’t any numbers spare, and if that is the case, why are the third rail only Arterios designated as Class 701 instead of another Class 4xx?
I notice that nearly every 3xx designation has been used while there are still plenty of 4xx spare, so maybe this could be the reason. In fact, the only 4xx units in service that don’t appear to be on their way out are the 444s, 450s, 465s, 466s and Island Line 484s. It’s not like there aren’t any numbers spare, and if that is the case, why are the third rail only Arterios designated as Class 701 instead of another Class 4xx?