The British Rail Class 438 (or 4TC) is an unpowered electrical multiple unit built by BR at York Works from 1966-67 and 1974. The units built on experience gained from the prototype 6TC unit.
Description
The units were built in two batches.
- 'Phase 1' units built in 1966-67
- Class 491 4TC nos. 401-428
- Class 492 3TC nos. 301-303
- 'Phase 2' units built in 1974
- 3TC units converted to 4TC nos. 429-431
- Class 491 4TC nos. 432-434
Further Use
Following withdrawal from passenger service, several vehicles were sold for further use with London Underground. They were used primarily for special excursions trains on the Metropolitan Line, hauled by either steam locomotives, or the preserved electric locomotive No. 12 "Sarah Siddons".
Details of the vehicles sold to London Underground are given below. For further information, see London Underground coaching stock.
| Unit Number
| Type
| Phase
| DTSO
| TFK
| TBSK
| DTSO
|
| 302
| 430
| 8030
| 4TC
| Phase 2
| -
| 71163
| -
| -
|
| 412
| 8012
| -
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| -
| 70855
| 70823
| -
|
| 413
| 8013
| -
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| -
| -
| 70824
| -
|
| 415
| 8015
| -
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| 76297
| -
| -
| 76298
|
| 427
| 8027
| -
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| 76322
| -
| -
| -
|
| 428
| 8028
| -
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| 76324
| -
| -
| -
|
Preservation
One complete unit, and several other vehicles have been preserved.
Details are given below.
Unit Number
(current in bold)
| Type
| Phase
| DTSO
| TFK
| TBSK
| DTSO
| Livery
| Location
| Notes
|
| 401
| 8001
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| -
| -
| 70812
| -
| BR Blue
| Dartmoor Railway
| TBSK 70812 was later reformed into unit 8010.
|
| 412
| 8012
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| -
| 70859
| -
| -
| BR Blue
| Strathvithie railway station
| TFK 70859 was later reformed into unit 8010.
|
| 417
| 8017
| 4TC
| Phase 1
| 76301
| 70860
| 70826
| 76302
| BR Blue
| Dartmoor Railway
| TBSK 70826 was originally in unit 415.
|
