Class 421 / 422

4 Cig / 4 Big

South Eastern Division

Emerging from the canopy shadows of Ramsgate station, No. 1748 is observed on 8th February

2004 in a plain undercoat livery after the removal of Connex vinyl transfers. The route code of

'90' indicates that this 4 Cig has just formed a Charing Cross to Ramsgate service via Orpington

and Ashford. After its arrival the train was left for a considerable amount of time in platform

4 of a somewhat deserted Ramsgate station, and thoroughly cleaned internally. Unit 1748 was

originally allocated to the Central Division, but was transferred to the Eastern Division in 1998

to cover for failing Class 508s. David Glasspool

The inside of No. 1876's Trailer Second Open is seen, illustrating the 2 + 2 low-density seating

arrangement and the central corridor in standard class. The upholstery dates from when the

unit was in Network SouthEast ownership. Each side of the vehicle has three doors, one located

at either end and the third in-between. 4 Cigs have a seating capacity of 236, although this would

increase to 248 if standard class substituted first class. The replacement, the Class 375 four-car

units have a capacity of 242 seats, although the latter has decidedly less legroom. David Glasspool

Tonbridge has an interesting array of railway connections to London via either Redhill or

Sevenoaks, and also lies upon the junction of the line to Tunbridge Wells. On 30th June 2004,

4 Cig No. 1855 is seen negotiating the latter as it leaves Tonbridge station for Tunbridge Wells,

where it will most likely terminate. As can be seen, there is detail variation of the livery on

the DTCL vehicle: the majority of the cab frontage retains the yellow warning panel, although

the roof arc area and the top half of the gangway connecting door are treated with black paint.

Interestingly, the figure '1' appears either side of the cab windows to augment the yellow body-side

stripe indicating the first class area. David Glasspool

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