Class 419

MLV: Motor Luggage Van

In 1972, a new computerised numbering system was introduced by British Rail, whereby locomotives and multiple units were designated by five and six figures respectively. Under this scheme, known as the ‘’Total Operations Processing System’’, MLVs were designated ‘’Class 419’’ and, at least on paper, allocated new numbers. Long after this, however, fleet members still carried their carriage numbers on the cab fronts (minus ‘’S’’ prefix), even after subsequent repaints. With reference to the latter, the MLVs have carried an interesting array of colour schemes, of which the all-over BR(S) Green and Corporate Blue/Grey have already been mentioned. The former was slightly modified by the inclusion of small yellow warning panels, a safety feature applied to BR diesel and electric stock from 1962 onwards. After British Rail Sectorisation (4th January 1982), an interesting array of liveries were worn by the fleet, these of which are depicted in many of the below photographs. Nevertheless, brief mention of these schemes is appropriate. First of note is the ‘’Jaffa Cake’’ scheme, formally launched as part of the Hastings Line electrification on 12th May 1986. This livery came to prominence with the 4-CEP units deployed on Charing Cross to Hastings services, the delightfully named ‘’1066 Electrics’’ (these were, however, not the first items of rolling stock to wear the colours). It adorned other electric unit types, including the MLV fleet: it featured a dark brown upper body side, a light grey lower body side, frescoed with an orange stripe. The ‘’London & SouthEast’’ Business Sector was formally re-launched as ‘’Network SouthEast’’ on 10th June 1986, and the ‘’Jaffa Cake’’ livery gave way to a colourful, but nevertheless pleasing, blue, red, and white ‘’toothpaste’’ scheme. Several MLVs did not receive this later livery and in fact ended their days in the earlier L&SE colours. Reduction in boat traffic during the 1980s saw MLVs employed on a greater range of duties, notably forming parcels workings. As a result, in October 1988, MLV No. 419004 emerged from Selhurst Depot in bright Royal Mail red, complete with full yellow ends and TOPS unit number. It was soon joined in this scheme by No. 419001, but after the former was held up and robbed, the pair were soon repainted into standard NSE colours.

Interesting workings in years gone by have included those where MLVs have been used to haul single water tanks. In particular, this occurred during March 1991, when a water shortage required British Rail to transport water from a well at Dover, to re-fill carriage washing machines at Ashford and Ramsgate. There have also been occasions when these interesting units have strayed from South Eastern Division metals; occasionally they were used to form the Victoria to Bognor Regis newspaper trains, substituting for the more customary Class 33 and 73 locomotives. MLVs were still recorded on boat trains as late as December 1990 (the author would be interested to know of any later sightings), but withdrawal of six of the type occurred five months later. By October 1991 all were, at least on paper, in departmental service. Nos. 931091 and 931094 went to Slade Green as ‘’depot donkeys’’, both in NSE colours. Nos. 931093 and 931099 (formerly Nos. 419003 and 419009) became depot pilots at Strawberry Hill, where their third rail and vacuum-braked abilities were beneficial at the site. No. 931093 was repainted into all-over BR Blue for this new role and No. 931099 wore the popular ‘’Jaffa Cake’’ scheme. It was intended for at least one of the pair to be equipped with ‘’Sandite’’ and de-icing gear. The remainder were based at Ramsgate, although some of these were stored out of use. The fleet size was reduced from ten to nine, when a shunting accident in December 1991 led to No. 931096 sustaining damage beyond economical repair. In 1996 the entire MLV fleet, bar the scrapped No. 931096, was moved to Bournemouth Depot, where the vehicles went into store pending disposal. Privatisation had seen these vehicles pass into the hands of rolling stock leasing company ‘’Porterbrook’’, and this firm started the disposal process in February 2000. Apparently, no reasonable offer would be refused and, thankfully, all examples were eventually acquired for preservation.

* Only a few members of the class appear to have displayed their allocated departmental number, notably Nos. 419001, 419002, and 419010

<< Previous  Next >>

Return to the Kent Rail Homepage or alternatively, check for Updates.

Website & Copyright information - Links - Contact the Webmaster

All content is copyright © David Glasspool unless otherwise stated