Networker (train)
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The Networker is a family of trains which operate on the UK railway system. They were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s by BREL, which later became ABB. The trains were built for the Network SouthEast sector of British Rail. They are all multiple unit trains.
The Networker was planned to become one of the largest families of trains, even larger than the Sprinter family, and was supposed to cover all the requirements for all future NSE multiple units but, the poor state of the economy in the early 1990s and privatisation prevented this from happening.[1] However, ADtranz (which absorbed ABB and was itself later acquired by Bombardier Transportation) used the Networker as the basis for their successful post-privatisation Turbostar and Electrostar units.
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[edit] Trains
[edit] DMUs
[edit] Class 165
The Class 165 is a two- or three-car diesel multiple unit (DMU), built for suburban and rural workings. This class is also related to the Turbo family of trains. Used by Network SouthEast, upon privatisation Thames Trains (replaced by First Great Western Link, now First Great Western) and Chiltern Railways. 76 units of the class have been built between 1990 and 1992.
[edit] Class 166
The Class 166 is a 3 car Diesel multiple unit (DMU), built for mainline workings. This class is also related to the Turbo family of trains. Used by Network SouthEast, upon privatisation Thames Trains (replaced by First Great Western Link, now First Great Western). 21 units of the class have been built between 1992 and 1993.
[edit] EMUs
[edit] Classes 316 and 457
These were actually a single four car EMU that were used as the Networker prototype. Class 457 was assigned for the tests using third rail DC traction, following which it was converted to test AC OHLE traction and renumbered as Class 316.
[edit] Class 325
The Class 325 is a 4 car freight (parcels) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU). While outwardly resembling a Networker, the internal equipment comes from Class 319, and is dual voltage - able to accept 750V DC via third rail and 25kV AC via overhead wires. Used by EWS, then GB Railfreight (now FirstGBRf).
[edit] Class 365
The Class 365 is a 4 car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU). It is dual voltage - able to accept 750V DC via third rail and 25kV AC via overhead wires. They were initially used by Network SouthEast, Connex South Eastern upon privatisation, then its successor South Eastern Trains, who transferred them to WAGN (now First Capital Connect). 41 units of the class have been built between 1994 and 1995.
[edit] Class 465
The Class 465 is a 4 car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU). It is powered from 750V DC third rail. Built by both Metropolitan Cammell and BREL in slightly different versions. Some units were later regeared for mainline operations (465/9). Used by Network SouthEast, then Connex South Eastern upon privatisation, succeeded by South Eastern Trains and currently Southeastern.
[edit] Class 466
The Class 466 is a 2 car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU). It powered from 750V DC third rail and used extensively in multiple with 4 car 465's to from 6 car and 10 car formations. The arrival of new electrostar stock has seen some units move to rural lines to operate 2 car shuttles, displacing Class 508s. Used by Network SouthEast, then Connex South Eastern upon privatisation, succeeded by South Eastern Trains and currently Southeastern. 43 units of the class have been built between 1993 and 1994.
[edit] Proposals
[edit] Class 168
The Class 168 was a planned Network SouthEast Diesel multiple unit (DMU), for their planned expansion of service on the Chiltern Main Line to Birmingham. These units were planned to have a speed of 100mph and have better acceleration compared to the 165 and 166. However, privatisation interevened and thus the units were not built for NSE. New private operators, Chiltern Railways ordered 5 168/0s from Adtranz in 1996 virtually identical to the units planned by NSE and although part of the turbostar family, they can be considered as Turbos. Later batches 168/1 and 168/2 do not have turbo heritage.
[edit] Class 341 and 342
Class 341 and 342 were two EMU types that were proposed but never built. Class 341 was intended to be the rolling stock for Crossrail prior to its cancellation in the early 1990s. The specifications for Class 341 have been utilised in drawing up the rolling stock specifications for the current incarnation of Crossrail. Class 342 was intended for use in the provision of domestic services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link when it opened in 1994. In the end these services were abandoned, and no trains were constructed.[1]
[edit] Class 371, 381 and 471
Class 371, 381 and 471 were three further EMU types intended as part of the Networker series. Classes 371 and 381 were proposed as the "Universal Networker", a dual voltage train type for a multitude of various services including Kent Coast, Great Northern, Thameslink and LTS routes. Class 471 was the proposed "main line Networker" intended for long distance services from London to Kent.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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