British Rail Class 303 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 303 "Blue Train" |
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TransClyde branded Class 303 unrefurbished unit no. 303 089 at Wemyss Bay railway station.
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| In service | 1959 - 2002 |
| Manufacturer | Pressed Steel |
| Refurbishment | Late 1980s |
| Number built | 91 trainsets |
| Formation | 3 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 236 seats |
| Operator(s) | British Rail SPT |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight | 124 t |
| Power output | 618 kW |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm |
The British Rail Class 303 was a special type of electric multiple unit (EMU) train. People often called them the "Blue Train" because of their color. These trains started running in 1960. They were built for the new electric railway lines around Strathclyde, especially the North Clyde and Cathcart Circle routes.
For more than 25 years, the Class 303 trains were the main electric trains used in Glasgow. They were first known as AM3 units. This was before the TOPS system was introduced, which gave trains their modern class numbers. The last of these trains stopped running in 2002.
Contents
What is an Electric Multiple Unit?
An electric multiple unit (EMU) is a train that uses electricity to move. It's made of several connected cars that can all carry passengers. Each car has its own motors, so the train doesn't need a separate engine. This makes EMUs great for busy city routes. They can speed up and slow down quickly.
The "Blue Trains" of Glasgow
The Class 303 trains got their nickname, "Blue Train," from their original blue and grey paint scheme. They were a very important part of the British Rail network in Scotland. They helped modernize train travel in the Glasgow area.
These trains were designed to run on 25,000 volt AC electricity. This power was supplied through overhead wires above the tracks. Each train usually had three cars linked together.
Where Did They Run?
The Class 303 trains were mainly used on suburban lines around Glasgow. These included:
- The North Clyde Line, which connects places like Helensburgh and Airdrie.
- The Cathcart Circle Lines, a loop line serving the south side of Glasgow.
They were built by the Pressed Steel Company. A total of 91 train sets were made. Each train could carry 236 passengers. They could reach a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h).
Life of the Class 303 Trains
The Class 303 trains served for over 40 years. They were a familiar sight for many generations of commuters in Glasgow. In the late 1980s, many of these trains were updated. This helped them stay in service longer.
Even after new trains were introduced, the Class 303s continued to operate. They were known for being reliable. Their long service life shows how well they were built and maintained. When they were finally retired in 2002, it marked the end of an era for Glasgow's railways.
Images for kids
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Unit 303 004 at Kirkhill station in 1979
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Unit 303 089 in unrefurbished condition with TransClyde markings at Wemyss Bay
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Refurbished 303 016 at Langside on a service to Newton
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A Class 303 in service at Dinting in Greater Manchester PTE livery
