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British Rail Class 403

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Southern Railway 5-BEL
British Rail Class 403
Former 5BEL car, 284 Vera at London Victoria on 15th August 2003. This car was previously in unit 3052, and is now owned and operated by VSOE
In service1932–1972
ManufacturerMetropolitan Cammell Carriage, Wagon and Finance Company
Constructed1932
Number builtThree sets (15 cars)
Number preserved14 cars
Number scrapped1 car
Formation5 car set: DMBPT-TPFK-TPFK-TPT-DMBPT
Fleet numbersSets 2051–2053 (later 3051–3053);
Cars 279–293
Capacity40 First, 132 Third
(DMBPT: 48, TPT: 56, TPFK: 20)
Operator(s)Southern Railway (1933–1941, 1946–1947);
British Railways (1948–1972)
Line(s) servedLondon to Brighton
Specifications
Car body constructionAll steel
Maximum speed75 miles per hour (121 km/h)
WeightTotal - 249 tons
Traction systemEight 225 hp (168 kW) traction motors
Power output1,800 hp (1.342 MW)
Electric system(s)660–750 V DC
Current collection methodThird rail
Braking system(s)Air
Track gauge4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)

The Southern Railway (SR) gave the designation 5BEL to the 5-car all-Pullman electric multiple units built to work the prestigious Brighton Belle trains between London Victoria and Brighton. These units survived long enough in British Rail ownership to be allocated TOPS Class 403. Between 1933 and 1935 the units were designated 5PUL (the 'PUL' code was then used for the 6PUL units).