Class 403 5-BEL 'Brighton Belle' Profile and Models

Brighton Belle No. 3052 at Purley Oaks in June 1964. © Tony Hagon

The Southern Railway produced three “5-BEL” electric multiple units to work their prestigious Brighton Belle service (initially referred to as the Southern Belle Pullman) between London Victoria and Brighton. The cars were owned by the independent Pullman Car Company, who gave the first class coaches women’s names. The units managed to survive well into British Rail use, with the final service running in April 1972. The units were withdrawn, but every car was individually sold into private ownership. Some are now in use, hauled as part of Belmond British Pullman trains, with other cars under restoration. (Information provided by Wikipedia)
Type of Vehicle	Electric Multiple Unit (660 - 750V DC Third Rail)
Builder	Metropolitan Cammell
Build Dates	1932
Total Built	3 sets (15 cars)
Top Speed	75mph
Capacity	40 (1st Class), 132 (3rd Class)
Operators	Southern & British Railways
Main Duties	Prestige Passenger
In Service Until	1972
Surviving Units	14 individual cars