British Rail Class 405

class of British 4-car suburban electric multiple units

The Southern Railway (SR) gave the designation Sub to the wide variety of electric multiple units that were used on inner-suburban workings in the South London area. Originally these units were formed as three-car units, but in the 1940s, all surviving units were increased to four cars by the addition of an 'Augmentation' trailer. New four-car units were also built at this time, and these survived in passenger use until late 1983, by which time British Rail had allocated to them TOPS Class 405.

British Rail Class 405
4Sub Motor Car at National Railway Museum in York
In service1925-1983
ManufacturerSR Eastleigh
Number builtUnknown
Formationpower car + 2 trailer cars + power car
Operator(s)Southern Railway and British Railways
Specifications
Maximum speed75mph 121km/h
WeightDMBS - 39-43 tons
Prime mover(s)Early units: 4 x 275 hp traction motors
total 1,100 hp (821 kW)
Later units: 4 x 250 hp traction motors
total 1,000 hp (746 kW)
Braking system(s)Air (Westinghouse)