Class 438 / 491 4-TC 4-Coach trailer Set

The Class 491 4-TC was introduced in 1966 for the Bournemouth Electrification project. The units were unpowered and propelled by a Class 430 4-REP unit to Bournemouth and taken forward to Weymouth by a push-pull fitted Class 33/1 locomotive.

Following the introduction of the Class 442 Wessex Electrics, some 4-TCs worked Waterloo-Salisbury services with unit no. 417 receiving original blue livery for special charter duties. From 1992 onwards the units were re-classified as Class 438.

Another unit was purchased by London Transport and saw much use on specials behind Metropolitan Line Bo-Bo "Sarah Siddons" and during "Steam on the Met" specials. 

In 2017, a former LT set was painted in West Coast Railways Maroon and used on services between Wareham and Swanage.