Rail Express

Hornby Southern 2-BIL

CONSTRUCTED during the 1930s, the Southern Railway 2-BIL was intended for use on semi-fast outer suburban and associated routes. Built as two-car sets with side corridors, they were nongangwayed within the set.

Construction of the 152 units began in 1935 with the first 10, numbered Nos. 2001-2010, destined for the Eastbourne electrification scheme which was completed at the same time. They were fitted with an earlier control system and different compartment arrangement in the DMBTL compared to later 2-BIL units.

Subsequent builds included Nos. 2011-2048 in 1936 for Alton and Portsmouth line stopping services; Nos. 2049-2116 constructed in 1937 for south coast services between Portsmouth and

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