British Rail Class 318

Infobox EMU
name = British Rail Class 318


imagesize = 300px
caption = Citizen's Network (318259) at Partick after refurbishment, showing the new driver's cab and PIS system
background = #6600FF
Family =
Manufacturer = BREL
Formation = 3 cars per trainset
Built = 21 trainsets
InService =1986 - Current
Weight =
Voltage = 25 kV AC Overhead
Capacity =
MaxSpeed = 90 mph (145 km/h).
Gauge = RailGauge|ussg
Brakes =
Operator = First ScotRailThe British Rail Class 318 is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train, which operates exclusively in the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport network in West Central Scotland. The units were introduced fully on 29 September 1986 as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast Line between Glasgow Central and Ayr/Ardrossan with alternating current (AC) overhead lines. Usage was extended to Largs in January 1987. They were also used on the Inverclyde Line in small numbers and on rare occasions the Cathcart Circle Lines (including to Neilston and Newton).

Background and history

Effectively a 3-car version of the Class 317 units used in the Network SouthEast region, 22 of these British Rail Mark 3-based units were built by BREL at York works between 1984 and 1986, to replace the elderly Class 101, Class 107, Class 120 and Class 126 diesel multiple units (DMUs) which had worked the Glasgow South Western sector for nearly 30 years. The technical description of the units are DTSO+MSO+DTSO, consisting of a central motor car with a driving trailer at either end. The units run on the standard 25 kV AC overhead power collection system, and are standard class throughout, with one toilet located in the rearmost driving trailer.

Up to four sets can be worked in multiple to form a 12-car set, although platforms are only capable of handling 6-car trains. The units have a maximum speed of 90 mph, and can complete the 34 mile journey between Glasgow Central and Ayr in around 45 minutes.

Since the introduction of the Class 334 units onto the Ayrshire Coast route, a number of Class 318 units have been cascaded onto the Argyle Line and North Clyde Line routes. On the latter the Class 318 units can be sometimes be seen running in formation with Class 320 sets.

It is rumoured that the Class 318 are soon to return to just Ayrshire and Inverclyde services due to being able to carry more passengers than Class 334 units, until 4 car units arrive on the Ayrshire routes.fact|date=December 2007

Accidents and incidents

In July 1995, units 318254 and 318262 were operating a Glasgow Central to Largs service when a braking system failure resulted in the train overshooting the end of the platform at Largs. The train crashed through the station building and out onto Largs Main Street. Being very early in the morning, there were no serious injuries. The cab of vehicle 77244 (from set 318254) needed to be completely rebuilt. 318262 managed to move by rail back to Shields depot. The reconstruction of the Largs railway station building took almost ten years to complete. [March 2005 edition of First ScotRail's newsletter, "firstInsight"]

On 3 September 2007, unit 318254 derailed near Exhibition Centre railway station in Glasgow. The train, which ran ECS from Anderston railway station after terminating there and reversed to head back to Anderston to take up its next service, was empty apart from a driver, a trainee, an instructor and a ticket examiner. Two of the four were injured and the others walked away unharmed. This is the same unit that was involved in the Largs rail crash.

Changes in the fleet

During the late 1990s, the Class 318 units underwent a minor refitting which involved replacing the seats with new seating in the newer corporate colours. It is unclear whether this was necessary due to normal wear or was just an improvement. Some sections also had a small table fitted between the seats. The repainting of the fleet was also undertaken gradually at this time.

All Class 318s have recently undergone a conversion process which involves the removal of the corridor connection on the driver's cars. Although one may see this as detrimental to passenger operations, there have been no great problems with the Class 334 or Class 320 units which also have no corridor connections. Apart from 'cleaning up' the appearance of the driver's cars, this allows the driver to have a far more spacious operating environment and gives the driver a better overall view. In appearance, modified units are very similar to the first batch of Class 150 diesel "sprinters", which were also based upon the Mark 3 bodyshell but lacked end corridors.

The passenger accommodation has also been improved, with new passenger door controls. The interior has been fully repainted in white, and new grab handles have been fitted. New lighting has been fitted, with similar gondolas to the Class 320 units. First ScotRail originally promised new passenger information systems, similar to those seen on other trains. This was not fitted to the first units to undergo refurbishment (318251 and 318264); however, they have been fitted to the subsequent units, and were retrofitted to the initial units later.

The voice used in the audio announcement systems (in line with other First ScotRail services), is that of Scottish actress Fletcher Mathers. The system is based on the one used in Class 320 units rather than the Class 334 units.

In September 2008 the Scottish Government's agency Transport Scotland announced that all "ScotRail" trains (including from the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport) would be eventually repainted in a new, blue livery with white Saltire markings on the carriage ends. This will also affect all the Class 318s. [http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/ScotRail-25th-anniversary]

Named units

318259 - "Citizens' Network"318266 - "Strathclyder"

References