Class 483 Profile and Models

Class 483

483009 at Ryde Pier Head in September 2013. Dan Adkins

The British Rail Class 483 electric multiple units were originally built as 1938 tube stock units for London Underground. They were extensively refurbished between 1989 and 1992 by Eastleigh Works, for use on services on the Isle of Wight's Island Line. This was despite having already been used for nearly 50 years on the London Underground network. The units replaced the even older and life-expired British Rail Classes 485 and 486 units which were introduced in 1967, but were originally built as 'Standard' stock units for the London Electric Railway in 1923. The trains were 83 years old when they were withdrawn in January 2021; they were the oldest passenger trains in Great Britain remaining in regular passenger service at the time. They were withdrawn on 3 January 2021, with the line closed from 4 January until 1 November 2021 for upgrade works, after which they were replaced by Class 484s. Of the six units present on the Island at the time of their withdrawal, all have been confirmed for preservation.

(Information provided via Wikipedia)

Type of Unit

660V DC 3rd-Rail EMU

Builder

Metro-Cammell

Build Dates

1938 (originally built as LU 1938 Stock - refurbished in 1989 to 1992)

Total Built

1,121 individual cars built
(10 2-car sets converted to become Class 483)

Coaches Per Unit

2

Power Output

670hp

Top Speed

45 mph

Passenger Capacity

84 seats

Operated By

Island Line

Main Duties

Local Passenger

In Service Until

2021

Surviving Examples

6 sets