Class 438 4TC Profile and Models

Class 438 4TC

408 neat Vauxhall, London in July 1975. ©Hugh Llewelyn

The British Rail TC (Trailer Control) multiple units were unpowered fixed formations of 3 or 4 carriages with a driving position at each end of the set, converted by BR's Holgate Road carriage works from locomotive-hauled Mark 1 carriages in 1966–1967 and 1974. The units built on experience gained from the prototype 6TC unit. In time the 3 car units (3TC, numbered in the series 3xx) were reformed into four car units (4TC numbered in the series 4xx) to match the rest of the fleet and later classified as Class 442. This was later changed to Class 491, under which they spent the majority of their working lives. Shortly before withdrawal they were reclassified Class 438 and the units were renumbered to 8001-8034.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Unit

750V DC 3rd-Rail Electric Multiple Unit

Builder

BR Holgate Road Carriage Works

Build Dates

1966 to 1967

Total Built

34 units

Coaches Per Unit

4

Power Output

1,000hp

Top Speed

90mph

Operated By

British Rail

Main Duties

Suburban Passenger

In Service Until

1989

Surviving Examples

2 sets