British Rail Class 421
class of 4-car EMU, (4-BIG, 4-CIG) bought for Brighton Line electrification
The British Rail Class 421 (or 4Cig) electrical multiple units were built at BR York Works from 1964-1972. Units were built in two batches, and were initially introduced on services on the Brighton Main Line. Later units were introduced on services to Portsmouth. These units replaced older Southern Railway-designed units, such as the 5Bel "Brighton Belle" units, and 4Cor units. These trains were known commonly as "slam-doors".
| British Rail Class 421 | |
|---|---|
 Class 421/7 no. 1498 "Farringford" at Lymington Pier on 26 May 2005. This unit has been restored to 1960s-era British Railways green livery for use on the Lymington Branch Line. | |
| In service | 1964 - 2005 |
| Manufacturer | BREL York |
| Number built | 166 |
| Formation | driving trailer + trailer + power car + driving trailer |
| Operator(s) | British Rail, South West Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 265ft 8 1/2in |
| Width | ft 9 in (2.81m) |
| Height | 12ft 9 1/4in (3.89m) |
| Maximum speed | 90mph (145 km/h) |
| Weight | 150 Tons |
| Power output | 4 x 250 hp traction motors total 1,000 hp (746 kW) |
| Electric system(s) | 750V dc third rail |
| Track gauge | standard gauge |
