British Rail Class 365 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail "Networker" Class 365 |
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![]() Class 365, no. 365535, in First Capital Connect livery, near Watlington on 24th October 2008.
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In service | Built 1994-1995 Service 1995 - Current |
Manufacturer | ABB at York |
Family name | Networker |
Refurbishment | 2007 Onwards- Hornsey Depot. Whole fleet re-liveried from NSE to First Capital Connect in 2006/7 |
Number built | 41 trainsets |
Formation | 4 cars per trainset. 242 seats 1 Driving Motor Open Standard (DMOS) |
Operator(s) | First Capital Connect |
Specifications | |
Maximum speed | 100 mph (161 km/h) |
Power output | 1,256 kW |
Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead |
Track gauge | 1,435 mm |
The British Rail Class 365 "Networker Express" is a special type of train. It's an electric multiple unit, which means it runs on electricity and has its own engines. These trains were built by a company called ABB in York between 1994 and 1995. They were the very last trains made at the York works factory before it closed down.
What makes the Class 365 unique is that it's a "dual-voltage" train. This means it can use two different types of electricity: 25,000 volts of AC (like the power in your house, but much stronger!) and 750 volts of DC (like a battery). This allows the trains to run on different railway lines that use different power systems.
Over time, all Class 365 trains got some cool upgrades. Their front ends were changed to add air conditioning for the drivers. This makes their journeys more comfortable!

Contents
What is a "Networker" Train?
The Class 365 trains are part of a bigger family of trains called "Networker" trains. These trains were designed to be modern and efficient. They were used on many different routes across the UK.
How Fast Can They Go?
These trains are pretty speedy! They can reach a maximum speed of 100 miles per hour (which is about 161 kilometers per hour). This makes them great for express services, getting people to their destinations quickly.
Powering the Trains
The Class 365 trains get their power from overhead lines. These lines carry electricity above the tracks. The trains have a special arm called a pantograph that touches the overhead line to collect the power.
Train Design and Upgrades
Each Class 365 train is made up of four connected carriages, also known as cars. Inside, there are 242 seats for passengers. The trains have different types of carriages, including ones with lavatories (toilets) for longer journeys.
Cab Modifications
When these trains were first built, their front ends looked a bit different. Over the years, they all received important updates. The biggest change was adding air conditioning to the driver's cab. This helps keep the drivers cool and comfortable, especially on hot days.
Who Operated These Trains?
Over their lifetime, Class 365 trains have been operated by several different train companies. They started with Network SouthEast livery (paint scheme). Later, they were used by companies like Connex South Eastern, WAGN, and First Capital Connect. More recently, some have been operated by Great Northern and even Abellio ScotRail.
Images for kids
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Connex South Eastern 365511 with original cab end in September 2001
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First Capital Connect 365501 at Peterborough in February 2009
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First Capital Connect 365512 at London King's Cross in October 2010
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Great Northern 365537 at London King's Cross in May 2015