Note: This article is about the trains that running on the Isle of Wight. For informations about the trains running on London Underground, including Bakerloo Line, see London Underground 1938 Tube Stock.
The British Rail Class 483 is an Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU) modified from London Underground 1938 Stock. From 1989 - 2021, these units ran on the Island Line on the Isle of Wight.
Introduction[]
Formerly Britain's oldest EMU in mainline service, the Class 483 is in many respects a simple machine, yet it has its own surprising intricacies. Though it only runs on a short line, its systems will keep any driver busy as they guide the Class 483 through the Isle of Wight's picturesque countryside and seaside towns. Although the Isle of Wight route is set in the present day, the Class 483s in the DLC wear the original Network SouthEast livery they had on introduction, as a licensing agreement with operator South Western Railway had yet to be obtained at the time of the DLC's release.
History[]
Previous proposals were made to electrify the line prior to World War 1, but these fell through as they were deemed unnecessary. In 1967 as British Railways was modernising much of their network fresh plans were implemented on the Islands railways, and the line from Shanklin to Ryde Pier head was electrified. Due to the height restrictions of the Ryde tunnel, none of the electric train stock used by British Railways at the time could be used, as an alternative London Transport tube trains of 1923-1934 vintage were converted and used. In 1989-90 these trains were replaced by modified and refurbished London Transport 1938 tube stock (the Class 483 units).
Having been in service for over 82 years when their time on the London Underground is included, the Class 483s hold the record for the longest serving trains in the United Kingdom, and were replaced by the Vivarail D-Train British Rail Class 484 units in 2021. Of the six units extant on the Isle of Wight at the time of their retirement, four have been confirmed to be destined for preservation; 483s 483006 and 483008 are to be sent to the mainland to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in Wales, while 483007, nicknamed Jess Harper, was transferred to the adjacent Isle of Wight Steam railway, initially as a static unit, though there are plans to convert the train to battery power so it can run on the line in the future. 483 483004 is also staying on the Isle of Wight; having been previously used as a source of spare parts after being withdrawn in 2019, it was purchased by Holliers Park in Hale Common, Arreton, and was delivered to its new home on 20 May 2021, where it will likely be used at the site's House of Chilli after being renovated.
Island Line[]
Timetable[]
The BR Class 483 runs a 24 hr timetable on Isle of Wight. Links can be found below to the appropriate timetables:
Fleet details[]
up to 2 units out of 10 units can be present in the route during in Timetable mode.
| Set Number | Vehicle Nos. | Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryde End
(A End) |
Shanklin End
(D End) | ||||
| DMSO(A) | DMSO(B) | ||||
| 483001 | 121 | ex-10184 | 221 | ex-11184 | |
| 483002 | 122 | ex-10221 | 222 | ex-11221 | Included in Original formation |
| 483003 | 123 | ex-10116 | 223 | ex-11116 | |
| 483004 | 124 | ex-10205 | 224 | ex-11205 | |
| 483005 | 125 | ex-10142 | 225 | ex-11142 | Included in Original formation |
| 483006 | 126 | ex-10297 | 226 | ex-11297 | |
| 483007 | 127 | ex-10291 | 227 | ex-11291 | |
| 483008 | 128 | ex-10255 | 228 | ex-11255 | |
| 483009 | 129 | ex-10289 | 229 | ex-11289 | |
| 483010 | 130 | ex-10139 | 230 | ex-11172 | Included in working order (Real 483010 used for spare parts) |
See Also[]
Driving the Locomotive[]
| British Steam, Diesel, and Electric Locomotives and Multiple Units | |
|---|---|
| Diesel Locomotives | 08 - 09 - 20 - 31 - 33 - 37 - 40 - 43 - 45 - 47 - 52 - 66 |
| Diesel Multiple Units | 101 - 104 - 142 - 150 - 158 - 166 - 170 |
| Electric Multiple Units | 313 - 314 - 323 - 375 - 377 - 380 - 385 - 387 - 395 - 465 - 483 - 484 - 710 - 801 |
| Steam Locomotives | Fowler 4F - Flying Scotsman - Jubilee Class - Stanier Class 8F |
| London Underground Stock | 1938 Tube Stock - 1972 Mark 2 Stock |
| Isle of Wight | |
|---|---|
| Locomotives | BR Class 483 |
| Stations | Ryde Pier Head - Ryde Esplanade - Ryde St John's Road - Smallbrook Junction - Brading - Sandown - Lake - Shanklin |
| Operators | British Rail |
| Training | Class 483 Introduction |
| Scenarios | Summer Southbound - Northbound at Night - Engineering Interruption - Smallbrook Shuttle - Morning Start Up |
| Journeys | Chapter 1 - Introductions & Experience - Chapter 2 - On the Wight Path |
| Island Line 2022 | |
| Locomotives | BR Class 484 |
| Operators | South Western Railway |
| Training | ' |
| Scenarios | Brading Rescue - Fear the Storm - Sea Transport Service - Blow Me Away - Finish the Isle |