Class 442 Wessex Electrics.

[swisstrains]

I keep reading about the Class 442 Wessex Electrics being withdrawn from service and put into store.
Coming from "up North" I have never travelled on one, in fact I don't think I have ever seen one (other than in photos) but they appear to be quite presentable and the railway press appears to speak highly of them.
Can someone explain to me why these units are being taken out of service when we are constantly hearing tales of overcrowding and train shortages on our railways.
TIA.

[DSY011]

Among the most reliable EMUs operating in the UK, their generous accommodation makes them some of the most luxurious long-distance commuter trains anywhere.
BUT it has been announced that South West Trains will be withdrawing the entire fleet of Class 442s in 2007, throwing their future into serious doubt. They will be replaced on their duties by Class 444s which in turn will be replaced on their duties by Class 450s spare from the reintroduction of Class 458s into traffic after modifications to their destination displays.
Found on a Google search.
Syd

[Trev]

Seems to me that it's yet another example of the idiocy of putting private interests in charge of a public service.

Perfectly good rolling stock being witheld from adding to the public good because of the 'bottom line' in accountant speak. Disgraceful.

I'm an unrepentant believer in nationalisation.

[222007]

I think 1 of the problems is on certain routes trains are already as long as they can be. Although south west trains need extra units so it probably has something to do with the rather large premium due to the DfT and swt trying to cut costs

[KODIAK BEAR]

442's are young but the motor's are getting old now. they were from the REP's (built in the 60's)and they took them to put into the 442's because they were powerfull and reliable.

[222007]

The wessex units are to be used by gatwick express for extended services to from brighton and london victoria in the peaks when this starts in 2008.