Train Review: South Western Railway Class 455 in British Rail Blue Livery from Wimbledon to Clapham Junction by Train (2F44)
South Western Railway has unveiled a special “new” livery for one of its Class 455 trains, 455-868, inspired by the original 1980s British Rail Blue and Minerva Grey livery. The special train was painted at Bournemouth Depot, during its last paint job ahead of its eventual retirement. On a short day out in Wimbledon, I managed to catch 455-868 on a short hop to Clapham Junction while it was working on a Woking to London Waterloo service.
Wimbledon Railway Station
Many Class 455 EMUs are in operation on local services serving Wimbledon.
Wimbledon is also an interchange for the London Trams and London Underground District Line.
South Western Railway 2F44
My South Western Railway 2F44 is an 8-car service, formed of 2 4-car sets.
The front set is 455-901 in the South Western Railway regular livery.
455-868 is just behind in the British Rail-inspired Blue and Minerva Grey livery.
The distinctive British Rail “Rail Blue” livery can be felt rather familiar on this train set, even for those who have never been to the UK before.
The interior of 455-868 still features the current Class 455 modern fittings, and it’s just the livery which has been changed.
Seats are formed of airline-style and bay seating.
The good legroom in the bay of 4 seats. The train was quite empty and I had 4 seats to myself.
My South Western Railway 2F44 train departed from Wimbledon on time at 3.35pm.
Heading out of Wimbledon.
Passing by Wimbledon Traincare Depot.
Earlsfield Railway Station
Making a brief stop at Earlsfield Railway Station.
Arriving at Clapham Junction Railway Station.
Clapham Junction Railway Station
My South Western Railway 2F44 train arrived at Clapham Junction at 3.42pm.
To meet current accessibility standards, 455-868’s doors are fully painted in Minerva Grey. This is to provide a contrast for where the doors are at along the side of the train.
South Western Railway 2F44 will continue on to Vauxhall and London Waterloo, where it terminates.