British Rail Class 378
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| British Rail Class 378 "Electrostar" | |
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 Artist's impression of a Class 378 train |
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| In service | Planned for 2009 |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Transportation |
| Family name | Electrostar |
| Number built | 54 trainsets on order |
| Formation | 4 cars per trainset |
| Operator | London Overground |
| Lines served | North London Line East London Line West London Line |
| Specifications | |
| Gauge | Standard gauge |
| Voltage | 25 kV AC Overhead or 750 V DC 3rd rail |
The Class 378 is a type of Electric Multiple Unit that has been ordered for the new London Overground network and franchise. The type is derived from the Class 376 trains currently used by Southeastern, and will be part of the Electrostar family, but will feature significant differences. Primarily, the Class 378 will feature all longitudinal seating similar to that used on London Underground rolling stock, which is necessary for the high passenger volume services expected to be run on London Overground. The units will be constructed by Bombardier Transportation, and were announced as coming in two separate batches[1]:
- North London Line, West London Line, Watford DC Line - 24 three-Car units were originally ordered. These units will have dual voltage capability, taking current at 25 kV AC from overhead wires or 750 V DC from third rail and will be designated as Class 378/0. These trains will replace the Class 313 units currently operated in 2009. Additional carriages will be delivered in 2010 to convert the units to 4-Car.
- East London Line - 20 four-Car units were announced. As services on an extended ELL are not projected to extend beyond the limits of DC electrification at the northern end, these units may not have AC capabilities as new. These trains, which will be designated Class 378/1, will replace the A60/A62 Stock currently in use when the first phase of ELL extensions open in 2010. In July 2007, a further three 4-Car units were ordered, taking the total to 23.
These trains will not initially be used on the Gospel Oak to Barking Line, which is not electrified. Although electrification is a long-term aim, it is not included in any of the short or medium term proposals that are planned once TfL takes over. As a consequence, it is likely that DMUs will be used for the foreseeable future[2]. This was confirmed when TfL announced it would obtain eight Class 172 Turbostar units for the Gospel Oak to Barking Line.
The deal between Bombardier and Transport for London was for a total of 152 individual cars, priced at approximately £220 million, with deliveries expected to begin in mid 2008. This contract also allows the option to purchase additional cars. The vehicles will be maintained at a newly constructed depot near New Cross Gate.[3]
On the 4th July 2007, TfL announced it had ordered a further 36 Electrostar carriages for £36 million.[4] The order comprises 3 additional four car units for the East London Line, and 24 additional carriages to extend the original 3 car units for the North London Line into 4 car units.
In February 2008, TfL announced that the new stock would now be leased by London Overground, rather than purchased directly, from a newly formed ROSCO named QW Rail Leasing. The terms of the lease also allow for an increase in the order to 216 vehicles.[5] In April 2008, TfL announced it had taken an option to obtain a further seven 4-car dual voltage units, which would be delivered between 2009 and 2010, and will fill the full 216 vehicle option.[6]
[edit] Diagram
[edit] References
- ^ TfL awards £223 million new trains contract
- ^ Transport for London welcomes Government consideration of key rail upgrade scheme
- ^ Bombardier Wins A £223 Million Order From Transport For London For 152 Electric Multiple Unit Cars For The United Kingdom
- ^ £36m contract to bring extra rail carriages for London Overground. Transport for London (July 4, 2007).
- ^ Transport for London signs new train leasing contract
- ^ Even more trains for London Overground. Transport for London (April 1, 2008).
[edit] External links
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