Introduction
In April 2001, 785 vehicles were ordered by South West Trains in order to complete the replacement of its slam-door rolling stock (the slam-door trains were coming to the end of their useful lives and did not meet up with modern health and safety requirements). Introduction to service was delayed by the required power supply upgrades capable of powering the new trains. In the December 2004 timetable change, the Class 450 Desiro began serving most intended routes, although introduction was delayed until June 2005 in some areas. The units are leased by Angel Trains to South West Trains.
68 new vehicles were ordered by South West Trains as a replacement to the growth order which was diverted to form the similar Class 350 range of electric multiple units.
The automated announcements of South West Trains' Desiro units feature a female voice - that of Celia Drummond of Northern Line fame - as opposed to the original voice of Phil Sayer, who will remain on the platforms.
Read more about this topic: British Rail Class 450
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