British Rail Class 313 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 313 |
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Class 313 at Kings Cross
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| In service | 1976 - Current |
| Manufacturer | BREL York |
| Refurbishment | 34 Silverlink sets 1998-1999 ADtranz (now Bombardier) |
| Number built | 64 trainsets |
| Formation | 3 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 232 seats (313/0) 228 seats (313/1) |
| Operator(s) | First Capital Connect London Overground |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 19.80 m |
| Width | 2.82 m |
| Height | 3.58 m |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight | 104.5 t |
| Power output | 656 kW |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead 750 V DC 3rd rail |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm |
The Class 313 is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU) train. These trains were built in York, England, by BREL between 1976 and 1977. They were very important because they were the first "second-generation" electric trains for British Rail.
Contents
What Makes Class 313 Trains Special?
Class 313 trains were quite advanced for their time. They had some cool new features that made them stand out.
Dual-Voltage Power
These trains were the first in Britain that could use two different types of electricity. They could get power from overhead wires (25,000 volts AC) or from a "third rail" on the ground (750 volts DC). This meant they could travel on different parts of the railway network without needing to switch trains.
Automatic Couplers
Another big improvement was their fully automatic couplers. These allowed trains to connect to each other without anyone needing to go outside the driver's cab. This made it much faster and safer to link up trains. It connected not just the physical parts but also the electrical and air systems.
Better Passenger Seats
The seats in Class 313 trains were also more comfortable than those in older trains. This made journeys more pleasant for passengers.
Who Used Class 313 Trains?
Over the years, these trains have been used by several different train companies.
Early Days with British Rail
When they were first built, Class 313 trains were used by British Rail. They mainly operated on routes around London, like the Great Northern Route and the North London Line.
Later Operators
After British Rail, different companies took over. These included Silverlink, WAGN, First Capital Connect, and London Overground. Each company often painted the trains in their own colours. Some trains were also updated inside to make them more modern.
Images for kids
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The first Class 313 unit, 313001, in the late 1980s at Watford Junction in Network SouthEast livery.
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A Silverlink unit, 313101, at Kilburn High Road.
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The inside of a London Overground Class 313/1 unit. The seating was changed to create more standing room.
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First Capital Connect units 313046 and 313030 at Enfield Chase. These trains often ran in pairs.
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The refreshed interior of a First Capital Connect unit.
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Network Rail's ERTMS test train 313121 at Willesden TMD.
