In Detail: Gatwick Express Class 442 'Wessex'

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The World’s fastest electric multiple unit speeds into Train Simulator, perfect for recreating Gatwick Express services on the London-Brighton route.

The Class 442 ‘Wessex Electric’ (or 5WES) electric multiple unit (EMU) was introduced in 1988 on the South Western main line between London Waterloo and Weymouth. Their introduction coincided with the completion of the electrification from Bournemouth to Weymouth.

Dedicated services between the UK capital and the country’s second busiest airport began in May 1984 with air-conditioned InterCity Mk3 coaches operated by British Rail. In 2008, Gatwick Express ceased to exist as a separate franchise, being merged into the Southern franchise.

Despite their popularity on Gatwick Express services, all 24 trainsets are due to be replaced by Class 387 units in 2016 with the 5WES’s future still to be determined.

The 442 currently holds the world speed record for a third-rail electric multiple unit on conventional rails with 108mph (174 km/h) attained in April 1988, although the designed operational top speed of the units is 100mph (161 km/h).

The BR Class 442 for Train Simulator reproduces the Gatwick Express service as it operated for Southern from 2008. The five-car units comprise of Driving Trailer Standard (DTS), Trailer Standard (TSO), Motor Luggage Composite (MLC), Trailer Standard Wheelchair (TSW) and Driver Trailer Standard (DTS).

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