British Rail Class 313
Encyclopedia
British Rail Class 313 electric multiple unit
s were built by BREL
at York
Works between February 1976 and April 1977 and were the first second-generation EMUs to be constructed for British Rail
. They were also the first British Rail units fitted with both a pantograph
for 25 kilovolt AC
overhead lines and shoegear for 750 volt DC
third rail
supply, and the first units in Britain to have Multi-Function couplers, which allow both physical coupling and also the connection of control electric and air supplies to be carried out without the need to leave the cab.
"PEP" unit built in the early 1970s. The 313 is similar to its sister classes of Class 314
(Glasgow), Class 315
(Anglia suburban — east London), Class 507
(Merseyside) and Class 508
(Merseyside, formerly Southern Region).
Since they were originally designed for use on Great Northern Suburban Inner Suburban services from to or , which included a section of 'tube' line built to take standard size trains between and Moorgate, they are built to a slightly smaller loading gauge
than conventional trains. They are standard length and width, but the roof is somewhat lower, most noticeable due to the lack of a distinctive "well" for the Stone Faiveley AMBR pantograph
on the centre coach. Also, they have to comply with regulations for underground trains, such as having doors at each end of the train for evacuation onto the tracks, and when on 750 V DC supply, the traction supply for each motor coach is separate, whereas on conventional 750 V DC trains each coach in a unit is linked by a 750 V bus line. Due to this, each motor coach has shoe gear on both bogie
s, whereas normally it would only be provided on the leading bogie. They are also fitted with trip-cocks which are struck by a raised train-stop arm
at red signals and will apply the brakes if the train passes one.
The three-car units were originally numbered in the range 313001-064. Each unit is formed of two outer driving motors, and an intermediate trailer equipped with a pantograph. This is a reversal of the practice started in the 1960s where the motors and if applicable pantograph would be carried on an intermediate vehicle, with the outer vehicles being un-powered driving trailers. Part of the reason was to simplify the equipment to allow dual voltage operation, and to keep down weight by spreading heavy equipment (the transformer and motors) between vehicles. The intermediate trailer carries the pantograph and also a transformer
and rectifier
, which when on 25 kV AC supply provides a 750 V DC supply to the motor coaches, each of which is equipped with four 110 hp GEC G310AZ traction motors, two per bogie. When on 750 V DC supply, each motor coach draws its supply directly through its shoe gear.
The Class 313s are fitted with Series Wound DC GEC G310AZ traction motors, which are controlled by a camshaft
controlled resistance system, with series and parallel motor groupings and weak field steps. Originally the heating in the motor coaches was provided by passing air over the hot traction and braking resistors, in addition to conventional heaters, though this feature is no longer in use and the pneumatic dampers
have been disabled. First Capital Connect and Southern units are now retro-fitted with cab air conditioning equipment.
Class 313s are fitted with rheostatic braking (disabled on London Overground) in addition to conventional 3 step air-operated disc braking
; during braking if wheelslide is detected by the WSP (WheelSlide Protection) rheostatic braking is disabled and the disc-braking comes into effect. Additionally units operated by First Capital Connect are equipped with sanding equipment. Unlike some other classes of DMU/EMU additional brake force is not available when the an emergency brake application is initiated and is the equivalent force of a step 3/full service application, however WSP is disabled when making an emergency application.
In addition to the primary suspension
(formed of rubber chevron spring and oil dampers
), secondary suspension is provided by air 2 air bellows per bogie, the air flow into each bellow is controlled independently by a levelling valve and arm assembly which will allow the suspension to inflate/deflate when the weight of the coach is increased or decreased by passenger loading. The air suspension system is also linked to the braking system via a Variable Load Valve (VLV), this will give an increase in air brake pressure when the coach is more heavily loaded to compensate for the additional weight.
The DMS A coach is equipped with a compressor
and main reservoir tank, which provide air to the whole unit via the main reservoir pipe for friction braking, power doors, secondary suspension and pantograph operation.
The DMS B coach is equipped with an MA set (Motor Alternator) which runs on 750 V DC from the AC/DC changeover switch whereby the transformer and rectifier provide the supply when on 25 kV working and by the shoegear directly when on 3rd rail working. The MA provides power for the following equipment:
Individual vehicles are numbered as follows.
All units have standard class seating only.
As built, the sliding doors of these units were individually opened by the passengers. Once the driver had stopped the train and the guard had activated the master door release, a passenger could move the door handle gently sideways which would operate a switch controlling the individual door opening circuit. Unfortunately many people did not wait for the guard's release, and gave the handle a much harder tug, which could open the door even if the train had not stopped. Concerns over passenger safety led to the removal of the handles from March 1977. In recent years, push-buttons have been fitted which serve the same purpose as was intended for the handles.
Modifications led to a certain amount of renumbering and reclassification. All 64 units were originally provided with shoebeams on the inner bogie of each motor coach, which was sufficient for their original third-rail duties between Drayton Park and Moorgate. Some units became surplus, and four were transferred to the -Clacton/Walton route, which has no DC sections; these four units had the shoegear removed, and were renumbered from 313061-4 to 313096-9; this happening in 1987. However, following an accident involving one of these units at Walton on the Naze in August 1987, they were subsequently replaced by Class 310s in 1988. 313s had also worked on the Colchester-Walton/Clacton route between 1981 and 1983. 16 others had shoegear fitted to the outer bogies in addition, and were transferred to the -Watford
route where there are long gaps in the conductor rails; these, 313001-016, were not renumbered, but were classified 313/1, the unmodified units becoming 313/0 - prior to this the entire class were simply designated class 313, without subdivisions.
and West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN)
West Anglia Great Northern inherited the majority of the class, with a fleet of 41 units operating inner suburban services out of Moorgate
and , to , , and . Although the majority of the route is 25 kV AC overhead line equipment, the Northern City Line
route between Moorgate and is third rail 750v DC (the line was formerly part of the London Underground Northern Line
and although built to full loading gauge there is insufficient clearance to add catenary).
Trains bound for Moorgate approach Drayton Park on a falling gradient, drawing power via the pantograph until a trackside Automatic Power Control (APC) magnet opens the Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) on the roof of the train, cutting off power. This prevents the driver from powering into the tunnel with the pantograph still raised if he should forget to change from AC power. After coasting to a stand at Drayton Park the driver lowers the pantograph and changes over to DC traction power. On journeys from Moorgate the traction power is maintained into Drayton Park for the rising gradient, since if the driver forgets to change traction mode to AC no damage will occur to the train. Once the train is at a stand the driver selects AC traction and raises the pantograph.
FCC Class 313 units are electrically limited to 30 mph in DC mode - this is the maximum linespeed on the Northern City Line.
From 1 April 2006, the Great Northern (GN) franchise merged with Thameslink
to form the Thameslink/Great Northern franchise, which was won by First Capital Connect
.
An additional three 313/1 units transferred to First Capital Connect from London Overground in September 2010 to augment the existing Class 313/0 fleet. These units have been repainted into the Urban Lights livery and lightly refreshed internally. They retain their original low-backed seating, although the upholstery has been altered to First Capital Connect standard. Despite receiving modifications which have made them mechanically identical to the 313/0s, they have not been renumbered. Unit 313134 was named "City of London" at Moorgate on 9 December 2010 by Michael Bear
, the Lord Mayor of London
.
, where they are replacing Class 377/3 Electrostars
on East
and West Coastway
services from .
These Class 313s were repainted at Wolverton works
. The full refurbishment began around June 2010 and included new flooring and carpet, new seating, improved disabled and cycle space and the fitting of a Passenger Information System
. Refurbishment work took place at Wabtec Doncaster. Additional modifications were carried out at Stewarts Lane TMD including the installation of cab air-conditioning, sanding equipment, a 750V busline
, shore supply sockets and the removal of inboard shoegear. Recommissioning exams began in February 2010 taking place at Stewarts Lane, which included the removal of tripcocks.
As of September 2010, 313214 had been delivered from Wabtec Doncaster to Selhurst Depot with a refurbished interior. The unit was awaiting installation of the new 2+2 high backed seating. Bogie work was also being undertaken on this unit at Selhurst and its pantograph
has been removed. The remainder of the Southern 313 subsequently had their pantographs removed as they were for use on DC-only lines. Removal of the pantographs has rendered the AC traction equipment redundant.
Since January 2010, units 313101, 313108 and 313109 had been providing driver training in rotation as a six-car formation, with single units leaving for Stewarts Lane TMD as required for scheduled maintenance. They were joined by Southern-liveried 313203 from March. The first three 313s in Southern livery were released from Wolverton Works in February 2010 and are now berthed at Stewarts Lane TMD, awaiting recommissioning and modifications. These units are being renumbered into the 313/2 series as they are expected to have their AC overhead equipment removed. Unit 313206, released from Wolverton on 14 April 2010, was the first to boast Coastway branding, promoting the lines the 313s are intended to run on as, "Your local links along the South Coast", with local pictures and a list of destinations. It was joined in the same livery by 313214 and 313216 during May 2010.
The Class 313s commenced operations with Southern on 23 May 2010, providing a two trains-per-hour service between Brighton and Seaford, as well as selected trains between Brighton and , , and . From 13 December 2010, their scope of operation expanded to include stopping services from Brighton to and the to shuttle.
The decision to use Class 313 units on the Coastway lines has been controversial, as the 313s are much older than the 377s and have fewer on-board passenger facilities.
The rail union RMT criticised the move and many publications including the BBC have questioned the introduction of 35-year-old trains with no lavatories in place of much newer units. These trains are deployed on services that operate over predominantly short distances, such as Brighton to Hove and Brighton to Seaford, and some longer (but stopping) services that provide predominantly local links which run alongside Class 377 units on the parallel faster services. The economic justification of operating new 100 mph air conditioned Class 377 trains on routes like the Hove to Brighton shuttle was always questionable however. And many other areas local train services operating over short (or even medium) distances do not have toilets (e.g. London Underground Metropolitan Line, Class 455 units (Southern/SWT) Class 508 units (Merseyrail)
The introduction of 313 services on the coastway routes facilitates the delivery of additional capacity on high demand suburban routes in South London where 10 car trains services are to be introduced (combined with a programme of platform lengthening).
Longer trains will also be introduced on the East Grinstead route providing longer trains on the key Victoria / East Croydon corridor. Longer trains on this route will be introduced in late 2011.
inherited a fleet of 23 units, mainly operated as Silverlink Metro services on the North London
, West London
and Watford DC Line
s and they were regulars on the St. Albans Abbey–Watford Junction branch line between 1988 and 2007, when the Silverlink franchise ended.
In 2007, these trains were used on services transferred to London Overground
, which replaced the Silverlink Metro franchise. London Overground branding was added, and some seats were removed to provide additional standing room. They were replaced by Class 378
trains, which feature longitudinal seating to improve standing room.
The final day of scheduled Class 313 operation on the North and West London Lines was 19 February 2010, although units were used ad-hoc substituting for unavailable 378/0 units. By August 2010 only two Class 313s, 313121 and 313123, were still in service with London Overground, as the Class 378/2 Capitalstars were by then in use on the Watford DC Line.
The final Class 313 (313123) operated on Monday 13 September 2010, the last passenger working being the 23.10 Willesden Junction - Clapham Junction. Both 313121 and 313123 were moved from Willesden to Wolverton on Friday 17 September for repainting, thus ending 313 operation with London Overground.
One 313/1, unit 313121, has not yet been accepted by a new operator and is at Wolverton works as of 15 December 2010. It is the last 313 to retain the distinctive Silverlink livery.
Electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...
s were built by BREL
BREL
British Rail Engineering Limited , was the railway systems engineering division of British Rail, until the design and building of trains in the UK was privatised in 1993. On 31 October 1969, the company was incorporated as British Rail Engineering Limited.-Main products:The vast majority of BREL's...
at York
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
Works between February 1976 and April 1977 and were the first second-generation EMUs to be constructed for British Rail
British Rail
British Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...
. They were also the first British Rail units fitted with both a pantograph
Pantograph (rail)
A pantograph for rail lines is a hinged electric-rod device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or trams. The pantograph typically connects to a one-wire line, with the track acting as the ground wire...
for 25 kilovolt AC
Alternating current
In alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....
overhead lines and shoegear for 750 volt DC
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
third rail
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
supply, and the first units in Britain to have Multi-Function couplers, which allow both physical coupling and also the connection of control electric and air supplies to be carried out without the need to leave the cab.
Description
The Class 313 fleet was developed following extensive trials with the prototype Class 445British Rail Class 445
The PEP Stock were prototype electric multiple units used on British Rail's Southern Region during the early 1970s. They were forerunners of the BR Second Generation electric multiple unit fleet. Three units were built, one two-car unit , and two four-car units...
"PEP" unit built in the early 1970s. The 313 is similar to its sister classes of Class 314
British Rail Class 314
British Rail Class 314 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works in 1979. They were the third variety of British Rail's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five classes...
(Glasgow), Class 315
British Rail Class 315
British Rail Class 315 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works from 1980 to 1981. They were the fifth and final variety of British Rail's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five Classes...
(Anglia suburban — east London), Class 507
British Rail Class 507
British Rail Class 507 electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works in two batches from 1978 to 1980. The first thirty sets were constructed from September 1978 to mid-1979 and a further three were added during 1980...
(Merseyside) and Class 508
British Rail Class 508
The British Rail Class 508 electric multiple units were built by BREL at York works in 1979-80. They were the fourth variety of BR's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, eventually encompassing 755 vehicles and five classes...
(Merseyside, formerly Southern Region).
Since they were originally designed for use on Great Northern Suburban Inner Suburban services from to or , which included a section of 'tube' line built to take standard size trains between and Moorgate, they are built to a slightly smaller loading gauge
Loading gauge
A loading gauge defines the maximum height and width for railway vehicles and their loads to ensure safe passage through bridges, tunnels and other structures...
than conventional trains. They are standard length and width, but the roof is somewhat lower, most noticeable due to the lack of a distinctive "well" for the Stone Faiveley AMBR pantograph
Pantograph (rail)
A pantograph for rail lines is a hinged electric-rod device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or trams. The pantograph typically connects to a one-wire line, with the track acting as the ground wire...
on the centre coach. Also, they have to comply with regulations for underground trains, such as having doors at each end of the train for evacuation onto the tracks, and when on 750 V DC supply, the traction supply for each motor coach is separate, whereas on conventional 750 V DC trains each coach in a unit is linked by a 750 V bus line. Due to this, each motor coach has shoe gear on both bogie
Bogie
A bogie is a wheeled wagon or trolley. In mechanics terms, a bogie is a chassis or framework carrying wheels, attached to a vehicle. It can be fixed in place, as on a cargo truck, mounted on a swivel, as on a railway carriage/car or locomotive, or sprung as in the suspension of a caterpillar...
s, whereas normally it would only be provided on the leading bogie. They are also fitted with trip-cocks which are struck by a raised train-stop arm
Train stop
Part of a railway signalling system, a train stop or trip stop is a train protection device that automatically stops a train if it attempts to pass a signal when the signal aspect and operating rules prohibit such movement, or if it attempts to pass at an excessive speed.- Basic operation :The...
at red signals and will apply the brakes if the train passes one.
The three-car units were originally numbered in the range 313001-064. Each unit is formed of two outer driving motors, and an intermediate trailer equipped with a pantograph. This is a reversal of the practice started in the 1960s where the motors and if applicable pantograph would be carried on an intermediate vehicle, with the outer vehicles being un-powered driving trailers. Part of the reason was to simplify the equipment to allow dual voltage operation, and to keep down weight by spreading heavy equipment (the transformer and motors) between vehicles. The intermediate trailer carries the pantograph and also a transformer
Transformer
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils. A varying current in the first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic field...
and rectifier
Rectifier
A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current , which periodically reverses direction, to direct current , which flows in only one direction. The process is known as rectification...
, which when on 25 kV AC supply provides a 750 V DC supply to the motor coaches, each of which is equipped with four 110 hp GEC G310AZ traction motors, two per bogie. When on 750 V DC supply, each motor coach draws its supply directly through its shoe gear.
The Class 313s are fitted with Series Wound DC GEC G310AZ traction motors, which are controlled by a camshaft
Camshaft
A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part.-History:An early cam was built into Hellenistic water-driven automata from the 3rd century BC. The camshaft was later described in Iraq by Al-Jazari in 1206. He employed it as part of his automata,...
controlled resistance system, with series and parallel motor groupings and weak field steps. Originally the heating in the motor coaches was provided by passing air over the hot traction and braking resistors, in addition to conventional heaters, though this feature is no longer in use and the pneumatic dampers
Damper (architecture)
A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, VAV box, air handler, or other air handling equipment. A damper may be used to cut off central air conditioning to an unused room, or to regulate it for room-by-room temperature and climate control. Its...
have been disabled. First Capital Connect and Southern units are now retro-fitted with cab air conditioning equipment.
Class 313s are fitted with rheostatic braking (disabled on London Overground) in addition to conventional 3 step air-operated disc braking
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
; during braking if wheelslide is detected by the WSP (WheelSlide Protection) rheostatic braking is disabled and the disc-braking comes into effect. Additionally units operated by First Capital Connect are equipped with sanding equipment. Unlike some other classes of DMU/EMU additional brake force is not available when the an emergency brake application is initiated and is the equivalent force of a step 3/full service application, however WSP is disabled when making an emergency application.
In addition to the primary suspension
Suspension
Suspension may refer to:In science and engineering:*Suspension , in mathematics*Suspension , in mathematics*Suspension , mixture of two chemicals with the property that one does not rapidly settle out...
(formed of rubber chevron spring and oil dampers
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
), secondary suspension is provided by air 2 air bellows per bogie, the air flow into each bellow is controlled independently by a levelling valve and arm assembly which will allow the suspension to inflate/deflate when the weight of the coach is increased or decreased by passenger loading. The air suspension system is also linked to the braking system via a Variable Load Valve (VLV), this will give an increase in air brake pressure when the coach is more heavily loaded to compensate for the additional weight.
The DMS A coach is equipped with a compressor
Gas compressor
A gas compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume.Compressors are similar to pumps: both increase the pressure on a fluid and both can transport the fluid through a pipe. As gases are compressible, the compressor also reduces the volume of a gas...
and main reservoir tank, which provide air to the whole unit via the main reservoir pipe for friction braking, power doors, secondary suspension and pantograph operation.
The DMS B coach is equipped with an MA set (Motor Alternator) which runs on 750 V DC from the AC/DC changeover switch whereby the transformer and rectifier provide the supply when on 25 kV working and by the shoegear directly when on 3rd rail working. The MA provides power for the following equipment:
- 415 V (AC) - Headlight (DC lamp supplied through an additional transformer), traction/braking resistor cooling fan, coach heater fans (the heaters themselves run on 750 V DC).
- 240 V (AC) - Cab heater fan, cab fresh air fan, thermostat fans, appliance sockets.
- 110 V (DC) - Control supply, battery charging, train lighting, cab air conditioning, CCTV system.
Individual vehicles are numbered as follows.
- 62529-62592 - DMSO
- 71213-71276 - PTSO
- 62593-62656 - BDMSO
All units have standard class seating only.
As built, the sliding doors of these units were individually opened by the passengers. Once the driver had stopped the train and the guard had activated the master door release, a passenger could move the door handle gently sideways which would operate a switch controlling the individual door opening circuit. Unfortunately many people did not wait for the guard's release, and gave the handle a much harder tug, which could open the door even if the train had not stopped. Concerns over passenger safety led to the removal of the handles from March 1977. In recent years, push-buttons have been fitted which serve the same purpose as was intended for the handles.
Modifications led to a certain amount of renumbering and reclassification. All 64 units were originally provided with shoebeams on the inner bogie of each motor coach, which was sufficient for their original third-rail duties between Drayton Park and Moorgate. Some units became surplus, and four were transferred to the -Clacton/Walton route, which has no DC sections; these four units had the shoegear removed, and were renumbered from 313061-4 to 313096-9; this happening in 1987. However, following an accident involving one of these units at Walton on the Naze in August 1987, they were subsequently replaced by Class 310s in 1988. 313s had also worked on the Colchester-Walton/Clacton route between 1981 and 1983. 16 others had shoegear fitted to the outer bogies in addition, and were transferred to the -Watford
Watford Junction railway station
On 23 January 1975, an express train from Manchester to Euston derailed just south of Watford Junction after striking some stillages that had fallen on to the track. It then collided with a sleeper service from Euston to Glasgow. The driver of the Manchester train was killed, and eight passengers...
route where there are long gaps in the conductor rails; these, 313001-016, were not renumbered, but were classified 313/1, the unmodified units becoming 313/0 - prior to this the entire class were simply designated class 313, without subdivisions.
Operations
Following privatisation, the Class 313 fleet was divided between two franchises - SilverlinkSilverlink
Silverlink Train Services Ltd was a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operated routes in North London and from London to Northampton...
and West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN)
First Capital Connect
Moorgate station
Moorgate station is a central London railway terminus and London Underground station on Moorgate in the City of London; it provides National Rail services by First Capital Connect for Hertford, Welwyn Garden City and Letchworth and also serves the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan Lines and...
and , to , , and . Although the majority of the route is 25 kV AC overhead line equipment, the Northern City Line
Northern City Line
The Northern City Line is a railway line from Moorgate to Finsbury Park in London, once part of the Great Northern Electrics line. It should not be confused with the City branch of the Northern line, nor with the North London Line...
route between Moorgate and is third rail 750v DC (the line was formerly part of the London Underground Northern Line
Northern Line
The Northern line is a London Underground line. It is coloured black on the Tube map.For most of its length it is a deep-level tube line. The line carries 206,734,000 passengers per year. This is the highest number of any line on the London Underground system, but the Northern line is unique in...
and although built to full loading gauge there is insufficient clearance to add catenary).
Trains bound for Moorgate approach Drayton Park on a falling gradient, drawing power via the pantograph until a trackside Automatic Power Control (APC) magnet opens the Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) on the roof of the train, cutting off power. This prevents the driver from powering into the tunnel with the pantograph still raised if he should forget to change from AC power. After coasting to a stand at Drayton Park the driver lowers the pantograph and changes over to DC traction power. On journeys from Moorgate the traction power is maintained into Drayton Park for the rising gradient, since if the driver forgets to change traction mode to AC no damage will occur to the train. Once the train is at a stand the driver selects AC traction and raises the pantograph.
FCC Class 313 units are electrically limited to 30 mph in DC mode - this is the maximum linespeed on the Northern City Line.
From 1 April 2006, the Great Northern (GN) franchise merged with Thameslink
Thameslink (train operating company)
Thameslink was a train operating company in the United Kingdom, run by Govia . It operated the London commuter railway line known by the same name...
to form the Thameslink/Great Northern franchise, which was won by First Capital Connect
First Capital Connect
First Capital Connect is a passenger train operating company in England that began operations on the National Rail network on 1 April 2006...
.
An additional three 313/1 units transferred to First Capital Connect from London Overground in September 2010 to augment the existing Class 313/0 fleet. These units have been repainted into the Urban Lights livery and lightly refreshed internally. They retain their original low-backed seating, although the upholstery has been altered to First Capital Connect standard. Despite receiving modifications which have made them mechanically identical to the 313/0s, they have not been renumbered. Unit 313134 was named "City of London" at Moorgate on 9 December 2010 by Michael Bear
Michael Bear (Lord Mayor)
Michael Bear was the 683rd Lord Mayor of London, whose one-year term began on 12 November 2010 and ended 11 November 2011. He is the Alderman of the ward of Portsoken and previously represented that Ward as Common Councilman and Deputy...
, the Lord Mayor of London
Lord Mayor of London
The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of London is the legal title for the Mayor of the City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor of London is to be distinguished from the Mayor of London; the former is an officer only of the City of London, while the Mayor of London is the Mayor of Greater London and...
.
Southern
Nineteen Class 313s displaced by Capitalstars on London Overground services are being transferred to SouthernSouthern (train operating company)
Southern is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Officially named Southern Railway Ltd., it is a subsidiary of Govia, a joint venture between transport groups Go-Ahead Group and Keolis, and has operated the South Central rail franchise since October 2000 and the Gatwick Express service...
, where they are replacing Class 377/3 Electrostars
British Rail Class 377
The Class 377 Electrostar is an electric multiple unit type built by Bombardier Transportation at their Derby Works, from 2001 to present. The Electrostar family, which also includes Classes 357, 375, 376, 378, and 379, is the most numerous type of EMU built in the post-privatisation period of...
on East
East Coastway Line
East Coastway is the name used by the train operating company, Southern , for the routes it operates along the south coast of Sussex and Kent to the east of Brighton, England. Those to the West of Brighton are named the West Coastway Line...
and West Coastway
West Coastway Line
The West Coastway Line is a railway line in England, along the south coast of West Sussex and Hampshire, between Brighton and Southampton, plus the short branches to Littlehampton and Bognor Regis....
services from .
These Class 313s were repainted at Wolverton works
Wolverton railway works
Wolverton railway works was established in Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, by the London and Birmingham Railway Company in 1838 at the midpoint of the 112 mile-long route from London to Birmingham...
. The full refurbishment began around June 2010 and included new flooring and carpet, new seating, improved disabled and cycle space and the fitting of a Passenger Information System
Passenger information system
A passenger information [display] system is an electronic information system which provides real-time passenger information. It may include both predictions about arrival and departure times, as well as information about the nature and causes of disruptions...
. Refurbishment work took place at Wabtec Doncaster. Additional modifications were carried out at Stewarts Lane TMD including the installation of cab air-conditioning, sanding equipment, a 750V busline
Busbar
In electrical power distribution, a bus bar is a strip of copper or aluminium that conducts electricity within a switchboard, distribution board, substation or other electrical apparatus....
, shore supply sockets and the removal of inboard shoegear. Recommissioning exams began in February 2010 taking place at Stewarts Lane, which included the removal of tripcocks.
As of September 2010, 313214 had been delivered from Wabtec Doncaster to Selhurst Depot with a refurbished interior. The unit was awaiting installation of the new 2+2 high backed seating. Bogie work was also being undertaken on this unit at Selhurst and its pantograph
Pantograph (rail)
A pantograph for rail lines is a hinged electric-rod device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or trams. The pantograph typically connects to a one-wire line, with the track acting as the ground wire...
has been removed. The remainder of the Southern 313 subsequently had their pantographs removed as they were for use on DC-only lines. Removal of the pantographs has rendered the AC traction equipment redundant.
Since January 2010, units 313101, 313108 and 313109 had been providing driver training in rotation as a six-car formation, with single units leaving for Stewarts Lane TMD as required for scheduled maintenance. They were joined by Southern-liveried 313203 from March. The first three 313s in Southern livery were released from Wolverton Works in February 2010 and are now berthed at Stewarts Lane TMD, awaiting recommissioning and modifications. These units are being renumbered into the 313/2 series as they are expected to have their AC overhead equipment removed. Unit 313206, released from Wolverton on 14 April 2010, was the first to boast Coastway branding, promoting the lines the 313s are intended to run on as, "Your local links along the South Coast", with local pictures and a list of destinations. It was joined in the same livery by 313214 and 313216 during May 2010.
The Class 313s commenced operations with Southern on 23 May 2010, providing a two trains-per-hour service between Brighton and Seaford, as well as selected trains between Brighton and , , and . From 13 December 2010, their scope of operation expanded to include stopping services from Brighton to and the to shuttle.
The decision to use Class 313 units on the Coastway lines has been controversial, as the 313s are much older than the 377s and have fewer on-board passenger facilities.
The rail union RMT criticised the move and many publications including the BBC have questioned the introduction of 35-year-old trains with no lavatories in place of much newer units. These trains are deployed on services that operate over predominantly short distances, such as Brighton to Hove and Brighton to Seaford, and some longer (but stopping) services that provide predominantly local links which run alongside Class 377 units on the parallel faster services. The economic justification of operating new 100 mph air conditioned Class 377 trains on routes like the Hove to Brighton shuttle was always questionable however. And many other areas local train services operating over short (or even medium) distances do not have toilets (e.g. London Underground Metropolitan Line, Class 455 units (Southern/SWT) Class 508 units (Merseyrail)
The introduction of 313 services on the coastway routes facilitates the delivery of additional capacity on high demand suburban routes in South London where 10 car trains services are to be introduced (combined with a programme of platform lengthening).
Longer trains will also be introduced on the East Grinstead route providing longer trains on the key Victoria / East Croydon corridor. Longer trains on this route will be introduced in late 2011.
London Overground
SilverlinkSilverlink
Silverlink Train Services Ltd was a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operated routes in North London and from London to Northampton...
inherited a fleet of 23 units, mainly operated as Silverlink Metro services on the North London
North London Line
The North London Line is a railway line which passes through the inner suburbs of north London, England. Its route is a rough semicircle from the south west to the north east, avoiding central London. The line is owned and maintained by Network Rail...
, West London
West London Line
The West London Line is a short railway in inner West London which links lines at in the south to lines near Willesden Junction in the north. It has always been an important cross-London link especially for freight services...
and Watford DC Line
Watford DC Line
The Watford DC Line is a commuter railway line from London Euston to Watford Junction. Services on the line are operated by London Overground....
s and they were regulars on the St. Albans Abbey–Watford Junction branch line between 1988 and 2007, when the Silverlink franchise ended.
In 2007, these trains were used on services transferred to London Overground
London Overground
London Overground is a suburban rail network in London and Hertfordshire. It has been operated by London Overground Rail Operations since 2007 as part of the National Rail network, under the franchise control and branding of Transport for London...
, which replaced the Silverlink Metro franchise. London Overground branding was added, and some seats were removed to provide additional standing room. They were replaced by Class 378
British Rail Class 378
The Class 378 Capitalstar is a type of electric multiple-unit train, part of Bombardier Transportation's Electrostar family. These trains are operating on the new London Overground network...
trains, which feature longitudinal seating to improve standing room.
The final day of scheduled Class 313 operation on the North and West London Lines was 19 February 2010, although units were used ad-hoc substituting for unavailable 378/0 units. By August 2010 only two Class 313s, 313121 and 313123, were still in service with London Overground, as the Class 378/2 Capitalstars were by then in use on the Watford DC Line.
The final Class 313 (313123) operated on Monday 13 September 2010, the last passenger working being the 23.10 Willesden Junction - Clapham Junction. Both 313121 and 313123 were moved from Willesden to Wolverton on Friday 17 September for repainting, thus ending 313 operation with London Overground.
One 313/1, unit 313121, has not yet been accepted by a new operator and is at Wolverton works as of 15 December 2010. It is the last 313 to retain the distinctive Silverlink livery.
European Rail Traffic Management System trials on the Hertford Loop
Network Rail plans to use Eversholt Rail owned unit 313121 as a test vehicle for ERTMS on the Hertford Loop, where it hopes to have the facility running by 2014 or earlier. The plan involves resignalling a 5.5 mile section of the double track route to allow existing services to use only one line, freeing the other for ERTMS tests.Fleet details
| Class | Operator | No. Built | Year Built | Cars per Set | Unit nos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 313/0 | First Capital Connect | 41 | 1976–1977 | 3 | 313018 313024 - 313033 313035 - 313064 |
| Class 313/1 | First Capital Connect | 3 | 313122, 313123 313134 |
||
| Class 313/1 | Network Rail | 1 | 313121 | ||
| Class 313/2 | Southern | 19 | 313201 - 313217 313219, 313220 |
Named units
A number of 313s have been named over the years. They are as follows:- 313020 - Parliament Hill (denamed)
- 313054 - Captain William Leefe Robinson V.C.Leefe RobinsonWilliam Leefe Robinson VC was the first British pilot to shoot down a German airship over Britain during the First World War. For this he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces...
- 313101 - Silvertown (denamed)
- 313109 - Arnold Leah (denamed)
- 313111 - London TravelWatch (denamed)
- 313116 - Nikola TeslaNikola TeslaNikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, mechanical engineer, and electrical engineer...
(denamed) - 313134 - The Hackney Empire (denamed)
- 313134 - City of London