Class 403 5-BEL 'Brighton Belle' Profile and Models
Brighton Belle No. 3052 at Purley Oaks in June 1964. © Tony Hagon
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The Southern Railway produced three “5-BEL” electric multiple units to work their prestigious Brighton Belle service (initially referred to as the Southern Belle Pullman) between London Victoria and Brighton. The cars were owned by the independent Pullman Car Company, who gave the first class coaches women’s names. The units managed to survive well into British Rail use, with the final service running in April 1972. The units were withdrawn, but every car was individually sold into private ownership. Some are now in use, hauled as part of Belmond British Pullman trains, with other cars under restoration. |
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| Type of Vehicle |
Electric Multiple Unit (660 - 750V DC Third Rail) |
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Builder |
Metropolitan Cammell |
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Build Dates |
1932 |
|
Total Built |
3 sets (15 cars) |
|
Top Speed |
75mph |
| Capacity |
40 (1st Class), 132 (3rd Class) |
|
Operators |
Southern & British Railways |
|
Main Duties |
Prestige Passenger |
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In Service Until |
1972 |
|
Surviving Units |
14 individual cars |
Pullman
BR blue and grey
Awaiting Categorisation
