Why are Class 488s given a Class number on TOPS?

[superalbs]

It doesn't make sense, as everything else assigned one has the ability to move on its own, but yet these Mk2s received Class 488. Why?

 

[61653 HTAFC]

It doesn't make sense, as everything else assigned one has the ability to move on its own, but yet these Mk2s received Class 488. Why?

It was probably some crazy Southern Region thing...

Werent there some bubbles originally ordered as trailers?

 

[randyrippley]

It doesn't make sense, as everything else assigned one has the ability to move on its own, but yet these Mk2s received Class 488. Why?

4-TC sets weren't powered, nor were some of the SR luggage vans. They received class numbers

 

[30907]

The 4TCs always carried set numbers but were later given a TOPS classification - they were permanently formed unlike the LHCS sets on other regions and effectively part of the MU fleet.

Same logic applies to the Gatwick stock.

Can't remember if the driving trailers for single units had a TOPS class.

 

[Phil.]

The 4TCs always carried set numbers but were later given a TOPS classification - they were permanently formed unlike the LHCS sets on other regions and effectively part of the MU fleet.

Same logic applies to the Gatwick stock.

Can't remember if the driving trailers for single units had a TOPS class.

They were 489s.

 

[43096]

The 4TCs always carried set numbers but were later given a TOPS classification - they were permanently formed unlike the LHCS sets on other regions and effectively part of the MU fleet.



Same logic applies to the Gatwick stock.



Can't remember if the driving trailers for single units had a TOPS class.

The Gatwick driving cars were motors, not trailers. They had traction motors (the vehicles were converted from HAP stock) and powered the train in multi with the Class 73.

 

[The Growl]

That's very odd. Maybe Dr. Beeching was still in charge and mad with power in the background.

 

[jopsuk]

As said, they were essentially TC-type units of two or three carriages. Giving them unit class numbers made it easier for the depot to diagram them most likely.

One rule for TOPS: don't expect consistent rules. At all. There's some guidelines, and the Southern Region did have a systematic numbering system that was broadly followed, but at the end of the day the system has never been entirely stuck to, so you've got all sorts of messiness and oddities.