BRITISH RAIL CLASS 315

'British Rail Class 315' 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 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five Classes (Class 313/314/315/507/508). Like the Glasgow-based Class 314s, they are able to operate from 25kv overhead current collection only. The fleet works inner-suburban services for 'one' out of London Liverpool Street.

Contents

Description

Current operations

Naming

Description

315s are formed of four cars, numbered in the range 315801 to 315861. Sets are made up of two outer driving motor cars ('A' motor with the compressor; 'B' motor with the battery gear), and two inner trailer cars, one of which carries the pantograph. Car numbering is as follows:

★ 64461-64582 - DMSO

★ 71281-71341 - PTSO

★ 71389-71449 - TSO
Each 4-car set was able to seat 320 passengers. A relatively superficial refurbishment programme has been ongoing since the middle of 2005, when 'one' contracted Bombardier to carry out the refurbishment of all 61 units, starting with the ex-First Great Eastern examples. The low-back 3+2 seating is retained, so the capacity stays the same.
The 315s replaced the life-expired Class 306.

Current operations

Until 1 April 2004, the fleet was divided between First Great Eastern (43 units) and WAGN (16 units). Following that date, 'one' assumed control of all 61 sets. The usual duties include the Shenfield Metro service which requires the balance of the fleet; the Lea Valley Lines (Liverpool Street - Enfield Town/Chingford/Cheshunt); one set also operates the Upminster Branch Line during weekdays and on Saturdays. They can occasionally be found further afield, running to Hertford East, Bishop's Stortford, Broxbourne, Southminster and Southend, particularly in the peaks.
'one' is currently in the process of repainting its 315 fleet into their distinct house colours. A variety of liveries has previously been on display, including a livery advertising former operator WAGN's travelcard which survived into 2007.

Naming

Four sets have now been named:

★ 315812 - "London Borough of Newham Host Borough 2012 Olympics Bid"

★ 315817 - "Transport for London"

★ 315829 - "London Borough of Havering Celebrating 40 Years"

★ 315845 - "Herbie Woodward"