British Rail Class 350
Encyclopedia
The British Rail Class 350 "Desiro" is class of electrical multiple unit built by Siemens AG
from 2004–05 and 2008–09. Thirty of these units, designated Class 350/1, were built for use by Central Trains
and Silverlink
on regional express services and services on the southern section of the West Coast Main Line
. A further 37 Class 350/2 were ordered by London Midland
in late 2007. All 37 units were delivered and in service by July 2009.
The Siemens "Desiro UK" family also includes units of Classes 185
, 360
, 380
, 444
and 450
.
units for South West Trains
. However, they were never built as such. Of the 160 carriages ordered, 40 were diverted as an additional ten 4-car Class 450 units, and the remaining 120 were modified as thirty 4-car Class 350/1 units.
A second batch of Class 350/2 units to replace the Class 321
units were delivered late 2008 and during 2009. The first of the Class 350/2 was launched on 8th October 2008, carried invited guests around the Wildenrath Test Track.
Class 350 fleet was 350267 last officially delivered to the UK in the month of July 2009. These new units are designated Class 350/2 and differ from the Class 350/1 units in two key aspects: they have 3+2 seating in standard class (because they work short-hop commuter services, the Class 350/1 are 2+2 throughout and work longer distance services) and lack the dual voltage capability that the existing units have.
The Class 350 units differ from the Class 450 because the latter units operate from 750 V dc from a third rail
, whilst the Class 350/1 units operate from both 25 kV ac from an overhead power supply, and also 750 V dc from a third-rail. The Dual voltage feature remains even today. But was reinstated on some units which were leased to Southern
in 2008/2009.
Every set of doors has its own set of guard operated door controls behind a lockable panel. The cabs have three radio systems - Cab Secure Radio
(CSR), National Radio Network (NRN) and the newest system, GSM-R
. This allows a great deal of operational flexibility.
CCTV and Flip Dot destination screens are fitted throughout the train.
; these operated on services between Birmingham and Northampton
via Coventry
, and all Birmingham - Liverpool
services, replacing Class 170 units. Most recently Desiros have taken over some peak services between Birmingham and Walsall
.
At the same time, Silverlink
began operating Class 350s. between London Euston
- Milton Keynes Central
and Northampton
. The Class 350/1 were originally painted in an overall grey livery with blue doors and blue window surrounds with a mandatory yellow front-end warning panel required by safety rules. The original dual-use of the units on Silverlink
and Central Trains
services mandated a non-operator specific livery.
The Central Trains and Silverlink franchises expired in 2007. At this point, the fleet transferred to the new West Midlands franchise holder, London Midland
. As part of the new franchise agreement, London Midland embarked on the acquisition of a significant number of new trains, the largest order of which was for 37 additional Class 350s. Unlike the Class 350/1s, the new 350/2s would not be dual voltage. The first 10 entered service in December 2008. In addition to the existing operations, these units took over the new Crewe
- London Euston
service running via Stoke-on-Trent
and stopping at most of the Trent Valley Line stations.
The trains are managed at a new purpose built depot
at Northampton, which opened in June 2006, and can also service Class 321
and other Desiro units if required. It is located at Kings Heath, near Kingsthorpe
. The depot is equipped to maintain the entire Class 350 fleet and is managed by Siemens.
. All other passengers and the train crew escaped unharmed.
when electrification of the eastern section of the Manchester to Liverpool via Newton-le-Willows line is completed in 2013. These units will be used on services from Manchester to Scotland, with displaced Class 185
remaining with the TransPennine franchise, adding additional capacity on other TransPennine Express operated routes. The new trains will be likely to have a revised Class 350 specification allowing 110 mph (177 km/h) running and a more intercity style interior.
Again subject to government approval, 8 additional 4 car units will be built for the London Midland
franchise, in order to provide additional capacity.
Siemens AG
Siemens AG is a German multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Munich, Germany. It is the largest Europe-based electronics and electrical engineering company....
from 2004–05 and 2008–09. Thirty of these units, designated Class 350/1, were built for use by Central Trains
Central Trains
Central Trains was one of the original 25 train operating companies to emerge from the break-up of British Rail between 1994 and 1997. The company operated local, urban and secondary express services across central England and Mid Wales.-Overview:...
and Silverlink
Silverlink
Silverlink Train Services Ltd was a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operated routes in North London and from London to Northampton...
on regional express services and services on the southern section of the West Coast Main Line
West Coast Main Line
The West Coast Main Line is the busiest mixed-traffic railway route in Britain, being the country's most important rail backbone in terms of population served. Fast, long-distance inter-city passenger services are provided between London, the West Midlands, the North West, North Wales and the...
. A further 37 Class 350/2 were ordered by London Midland
London Midland
London Midland is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Legally named London and Birmingham Railway Ltd, it is a subsidiary of Govia, and has operated the West Midlands franchise since 11 November 2007....
in late 2007. All 37 units were delivered and in service by July 2009.
The Siemens "Desiro UK" family also includes units of Classes 185
British Rail Class 185
The Class 185 Pennine Desiro is a diesel multiple-unit passenger train of the Desiro type built by Siemens in Germany for the British train operating company First TransPennine Express.51 units were acquired, representing an investment of £250 million....
, 360
British Rail Class 360
The British Rail Class 360 electric multiple units were built by Siemens in two sub-types from 2002-2003 and 2004-2005. These units are part of the Siemens Desiro family.The Siemens "Desiro UK" family also includes units of Classes 185, 350, 380, 444 and 450....
, 380
British Rail Class 380
Class 380 is the designation given to a class of electric multiple unit trains which operate on the national railway network in Scotland.- Description :...
, 444
British Rail Class 444
The British Rail Class 444 Desiro electrical multiple units were built in Germany by Siemens AG from 2003-04. Forty-five of these units were built for express services for South West Trains....
and 450
British Rail Class 450
The British Rail Class 450 third-rail DC EMU began service during 2003. They are a part of the Siemens Desiro modular train family and are more commonly known as the 'Blue Desiro'...
.
Description
The Class 350/1 units were originally part of an order for thirty-two 5-car Class 450British Rail Class 450
The British Rail Class 450 third-rail DC EMU began service during 2003. They are a part of the Siemens Desiro modular train family and are more commonly known as the 'Blue Desiro'...
units for South West Trains
South West Trains
South West Trains is a British train operating company providing, under franchise, passenger rail services, mostly out of Waterloo station, to the southwest of London in the suburbs and in the counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Berkshire, and Wiltshire and on the Isle of Wight...
. However, they were never built as such. Of the 160 carriages ordered, 40 were diverted as an additional ten 4-car Class 450 units, and the remaining 120 were modified as thirty 4-car Class 350/1 units.
A second batch of Class 350/2 units to replace the Class 321
British Rail Class 321
The British Rail Class 321 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL York in three batches from 1988-91. The design was successful and led to the development of the similar Class 320 and Class 322 units for use by Strathclyde PTE and Stansted Express respectively...
units were delivered late 2008 and during 2009. The first of the Class 350/2 was launched on 8th October 2008, carried invited guests around the Wildenrath Test Track.
Class 350 fleet was 350267 last officially delivered to the UK in the month of July 2009. These new units are designated Class 350/2 and differ from the Class 350/1 units in two key aspects: they have 3+2 seating in standard class (because they work short-hop commuter services, the Class 350/1 are 2+2 throughout and work longer distance services) and lack the dual voltage capability that the existing units have.
The Class 350 units differ from the Class 450 because the latter units operate from 750 V dc from a 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...
, whilst the Class 350/1 units operate from both 25 kV ac from an overhead power supply, and also 750 V dc from a third-rail. The Dual voltage feature remains even today. But was reinstated on some units which were leased to Southern
Southern (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...
in 2008/2009.
Every set of doors has its own set of guard operated door controls behind a lockable panel. The cabs have three radio systems - Cab Secure Radio
Cab Secure Radio
Cab Secure Radio is an in-cab analogue radiotelephone system used on parts of the British railway network. Its main function is to provide a secure speech link between the train driver and the signaller which cannot be overheard by other train drivers...
(CSR), National Radio Network (NRN) and the newest system, GSM-R
GSM-R
GSM-R, Global System for Mobile Communications - Railway or GSM-Railway is an international wireless communications standard for railway communication and applications. A sub-system of European Rail Traffic Management System , it is used for communication between train and railway regulation...
. This allows a great deal of operational flexibility.
CCTV and Flip Dot destination screens are fitted throughout the train.
Operations
The first Class 350s entered service in July 2005 with Central TrainsCentral Trains
Central Trains was one of the original 25 train operating companies to emerge from the break-up of British Rail between 1994 and 1997. The company operated local, urban and secondary express services across central England and Mid Wales.-Overview:...
; these operated on services between Birmingham and Northampton
Northampton railway station
Northampton railway station is a railway station serving the large town of Northampton and other parts of Northamptonshire in England. Other parts of South Northamptonshire are better served by Kings Sutton, Banbury and Milton Keynes Central stations....
via Coventry
Coventry railway station
Coventry railway station is situated about 250 yards to the south of junction 6 of the inner ring road in the city of Coventry, West Midlands, England...
, and all Birmingham - Liverpool
Liverpool Lime Street railway station
Liverpool Lime Street is a railway station serving the city centre of Liverpool, England. The station lies on a branch of the West Coast Main Line from London Euston, and on the Wirral Line of the Merseyrail network...
services, replacing Class 170 units. Most recently Desiros have taken over some peak services between Birmingham and Walsall
Walsall railway station
Walsall railway station is the principal railway station of Walsall, West Midlands, England and situated in the heart of the town. It is operated by London Midland, who run all of its train services...
.
At the same time, Silverlink
Silverlink
Silverlink Train Services Ltd was a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operated routes in North London and from London to Northampton...
began operating Class 350s. between London Euston
Euston railway station
Euston railway station, also known as London Euston, is a central London railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden. It is the sixth busiest rail terminal in London . It is one of 18 railway stations managed by Network Rail, and is the southern terminus of the West Coast Main Line...
- Milton Keynes Central
Milton Keynes Central railway station
Milton Keynes Central railway station serves Central Milton Keynes and the surrounding area of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. The station is located on the West Coast Main Line between the stations of Bletchley and Wolverton, both of which are also within Milton Keynes. The station is served by...
and Northampton
Northampton railway station
Northampton railway station is a railway station serving the large town of Northampton and other parts of Northamptonshire in England. Other parts of South Northamptonshire are better served by Kings Sutton, Banbury and Milton Keynes Central stations....
. The Class 350/1 were originally painted in an overall grey livery with blue doors and blue window surrounds with a mandatory yellow front-end warning panel required by safety rules. The original dual-use of the units on Silverlink
Silverlink
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 Central Trains
Central Trains
Central Trains was one of the original 25 train operating companies to emerge from the break-up of British Rail between 1994 and 1997. The company operated local, urban and secondary express services across central England and Mid Wales.-Overview:...
services mandated a non-operator specific livery.
The Central Trains and Silverlink franchises expired in 2007. At this point, the fleet transferred to the new West Midlands franchise holder, London Midland
London Midland
London Midland is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Legally named London and Birmingham Railway Ltd, it is a subsidiary of Govia, and has operated the West Midlands franchise since 11 November 2007....
. As part of the new franchise agreement, London Midland embarked on the acquisition of a significant number of new trains, the largest order of which was for 37 additional Class 350s. Unlike the Class 350/1s, the new 350/2s would not be dual voltage. The first 10 entered service in December 2008. In addition to the existing operations, these units took over the new Crewe
Crewe railway station
Crewe railway station was completed in 1837 and is one of the most historic railway stations in the world. Built in fields near to Crewe Hall, it originally served the village of Crewe with a population of just 70 residents...
- London Euston
Euston railway station
Euston railway station, also known as London Euston, is a central London railway terminus in the London Borough of Camden. It is the sixth busiest rail terminal in London . It is one of 18 railway stations managed by Network Rail, and is the southern terminus of the West Coast Main Line...
service running via Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent railway station
Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station is a main-line railway station in central England. It is located on the Stafford to Manchester branch of the West Coast Main Line and serves the Staffordshire city of Stoke-on-Trent...
and stopping at most of the Trent Valley Line stations.
The trains are managed at a new purpose built depot
Train station
A train station, also called a railroad station or railway station and often shortened to just station,"Station" is commonly understood to mean "train station" unless otherwise qualified. This is evident from dictionary entries e.g...
at Northampton, which opened in June 2006, and can also service Class 321
British Rail Class 321
The British Rail Class 321 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL York in three batches from 1988-91. The design was successful and led to the development of the similar Class 320 and Class 322 units for use by Strathclyde PTE and Stansted Express respectively...
and other Desiro units if required. It is located at Kings Heath, near Kingsthorpe
Kingsthorpe
Kingsthorpe was once a Northamptonshire village but is now an extremely affluent suburb to the north-west of the major town of Northampton, England. The River Nene flows through the area to the west...
. The depot is equipped to maintain the entire Class 350 fleet and is managed by Siemens.
Fleet details
| Class | Operator | No. Built | Year Built | Cars per Set | Unit nos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 350/1 | London Midland | 30 | 2004–2005 | 4 | 350101 - 350130 | Dual voltage |
| Class 350/2 | 37 | 2008–2009 | 350231 - 350267 |
Accidents and incidents
On 11 April 2011 a fire broke out in a toilet cubicle on board unit 350232 whilst working service 1N84, the 16:25 from to as it was on its final approach to , resulting in one fatality, the female occupant of the toilet. It is thought that the death was a suicideSuicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
. All other passengers and the train crew escaped unharmed.
Future
Subject to Government Approval, 10 additional 4 car units will be built for the TransPennine FranchiseFirst TransPennine Express
First TransPennine Express is a British train operating company. It is a joint operation between First Group and Keolis . It operates regular passenger services in northern England, including services linking the west and east coasts across the Pennines...
when electrification of the eastern section of the Manchester to Liverpool via Newton-le-Willows line is completed in 2013. These units will be used on services from Manchester to Scotland, with displaced Class 185
British Rail Class 185
The Class 185 Pennine Desiro is a diesel multiple-unit passenger train of the Desiro type built by Siemens in Germany for the British train operating company First TransPennine Express.51 units were acquired, representing an investment of £250 million....
remaining with the TransPennine franchise, adding additional capacity on other TransPennine Express operated routes. The new trains will be likely to have a revised Class 350 specification allowing 110 mph (177 km/h) running and a more intercity style interior.
Again subject to government approval, 8 additional 4 car units will be built for the London Midland
London Midland
London Midland is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. Legally named London and Birmingham Railway Ltd, it is a subsidiary of Govia, and has operated the West Midlands franchise since 11 November 2007....
franchise, in order to provide additional capacity.