British Rail Class 438

British Rail Class 438 (4-TC)
Class 438 unit at Weymouth Quay
In service1966–1989
ManufacturerHolgate Road carriage works
Family nameBR Mark 1 EMU
Constructed1966–1967, 1974 (converted)
Number built34 sets, 1 spare DTSO
Formation4 car sets - DTSO-TFK-TBSK-DTSO
Fleet numbers401–434, later 8001–8034
Capacity42 First, 160 Standard
OperatorsBritish Rail
DepotsBournemouth TMD
Specifications
Car lengthDTSO: 19.70 m (64 ft 8 in)
TFK/TBSK: 19.65 m (64 ft 6 in)
Width2.82 m (9 ft 3 in)
Maximum speed90 mph (145 km/h)
WeightDTSO: 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)
HVACElectric train heating
BogiesB5
Braking system(s)Air (EP/Auto)
Safety system(s)AWS
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 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.