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| British Rail Class 438 (4-TC) | |
|---|---|
 Class 438 unit at Weymouth Quay | |
| In service | 1966–1989 |
| Manufacturer | Holgate Road carriage works |
| Family name | BR Mark 1 EMU |
| Constructed | 1966–1967, 1974 (converted) |
| Number built | 34 sets, 1 spare DTSO |
| Formation | 4 car sets - DTSO-TFK-TBSK-DTSO |
| Fleet numbers | 401–434, later 8001–8034 |
| Capacity | 42 First, 160 Standard |
| Operators | British Rail |
| Depots | Bournemouth TMD |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | DTSO: 19.70 m (64 ft 8 in) TFK/TBSK: 19.65 m (64 ft 6 in) |
| Width | 2.82 m (9 ft 3 in) |
| Maximum speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) |
| Weight | DTSO: 32.5 tonnes (32.0 long tons; 35.8 short tons) TFK: 35.4 tonnes (34.8 long tons; 39.0 short tons) TBSK: 33.6 tonnes (33.1 long tons; 37.0 short tons) Total: 134 tonnes (132 long tons; 148 short tons) |
| HVAC | Electric train heating |
| Bogies | B5 |
| Braking system(s) | Air (EP/Auto) |
| Safety system(s) | AWS |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
The British Rail TC (Trailer Control) multiple units were unpowered fixed formations of 3 or 4 carriages with a driving position at each end of the set, converted by BR's Holgate Road carriage works from locomotive-hauled Mark 1 carriages in 1966–1967 and 1974. The units built on experience gained from the prototype 6TC unit. In time the 3 car units (3TC, numbered in the series 3xx) were reformed into four car units (4TC numbered in the series 4xx) to match the rest of the fleet and later classified as Class 442. This was later changed to Class 491, under which they spent the majority of their working lives. Shortly before withdrawal they were reclassified Class 438 and the units were renumbered to 8001-8034.