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British Rail Class 315 facts for kids

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British Rail Class 315
Unit 315838 at Ilford.JPG
Class 315 unit at Ilford
In service 1980 - Current
Manufacturer BREL York
Refurbishment All 61 Greater Anglia sets 2006-present
Number built 61 trainsets
Formation 4 cars per trainset
Capacity 320 seats
Operator(s) TfL Rail
London Overground
Specifications
Car length 19.80 m
Width 3.58 m
Height 2.82 m
Maximum speed 75 mph (121 km/h)
Weight 127.5 tonnes
Power output 656 kW
Electric system(s) 25 kV AC Overhead
Track gauge Standard gauge (1,435 mm)

The British Rail Class 315 is a type of electric train. These trains are called Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). They were built by a company called BREL in York, England, between 1980 and 1981. The Class 315 trains were the last of a special design of suburban EMUs. This design was first created in 1972.



Discover the Class 315 Trains

The Class 315 trains are a familiar sight on some railway lines in England. They are designed to carry many passengers. Each train is made up of four connected carriages. This allows them to carry up to 320 people at once. They can travel at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour (121 km/h).

How These Electric Trains Work

Class 315 trains are electric, which means they don't use diesel fuel. Instead, they get their power from electricity. This power comes from overhead lines above the railway tracks. They use a special type of electricity called 25 kV AC. This system is common on many main railway lines.

Where Do Class 315 Trains Travel?

These trains mostly serve inner-suburban areas around London. They run on the Great Eastern Main Line. You can often see them travelling from London Liverpool Street. They also run services to places like Chingford, Enfield Town, and Cheshunt. These routes are operated by TfL Rail and London Overground.

A Look at Their History

The Class 315 trains have been in service since 1980. Over the years, they have been operated by different train companies. Each company often gives the trains a new paint job, called a livery. This means the trains have looked different at various times. All 61 trains that were part of the Greater Anglia fleet were updated between 2006 and the present. This helped to keep them modern and comfortable for passengers.

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