British Rail Class 377 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 377 "Electrostar"
Southern Class 377 at Worthing railway station
In service	2002 - Current
Manufacturer	Bombardier Derby
Family name	Electrostar
Number built	154 trainsets (excluding 28 375/3 conversions)
Formation	3 cars per trainset (377/3 only) 4 cars per trainset (others)
Operator(s)	Southern Southeastern
Specifications
Car length	67 feet (20.4 m)
Width	9 feet (2.8 m)
Height	12½ feet (3.78 m)
Maximum speed	100 mph (161 km/h)
Weight	133.1 t (377/3 only) 173.6 t (others)
Power output	2x373 = 746 kW kW (377/3 only) 3x373 = 1119 kW (others) 3x560 = 1680 kW (AC mode)
Electric system(s)	750 V DC 3rd rail 25 kV AC Overhead (377/2 only)
Track gauge	1,435 mm

The Class 377 Electrostar is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU). This means it's a train that uses electricity to move and can be driven from either end. These trains were built by Bombardier Transportation at their factory in Derby, England. Production started in 2001 and they are still in service today.

The Class 377 is part of the larger Electrostar family of trains. This family also includes other popular UK trains like the Class 357, Class 375, and Class 376. The Electrostar is the most common type of electric train built in Britain since the railways became private.

What is an Electrostar?

The Electrostar is a modern electric train. It is designed for passenger services. These trains are known for being reliable and comfortable. They are used on many busy routes in the south of England.

Who Operates These Trains?

The Class 377 trains are mainly used by two train companies. These are Southern and Southeastern. They operate on different railway lines.

Southern Services

Southern uses these trains for many of its routes. This includes services from London Victoria to places like Brighton, Eastbourne, and Littlehampton. They also run on other lines across the south coast.

Southeastern Services

Southeastern uses a specific version of the Class 377. These trains run on routes that use both third rail and overhead electric lines. This allows them to travel on more parts of the network.

How Are Class 377 Trains Made?

These trains are built in Derby. This factory has a long history of building trains. The Electrostar design is very flexible. This means different versions can be made for different needs.

Different Versions of the Class 377

The Class 377 comes in several versions. Some trains have three carriages. Others have four carriages. There are also versions that can use two different types of electricity.

• Class 377/1: These are four-carriage trains.
• Class 377/2: These trains can use both 750V DC (from a third rail) and 25kV AC (from overhead lines). They are also four carriages long.
• Class 377/3: These are shorter, three-carriage trains.
• Class 377/4: These are four-carriage trains.
• Class 377/5: These are four-carriage trains used by Southeastern. They can also use both types of electricity.
• Class 377/6 and 377/7: These are newer four-carriage trains.

Train Features

The Class 377 trains have comfortable seats. They also have air conditioning. Many trains have power sockets for charging devices. They are designed to carry many passengers. This makes them good for busy commuter routes.

Images for kids

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  Southern Class 377/1 No. 377122 departing Warnham

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  Southern Class 377/2 No. 377203 at Milton Keynes Central

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  Southern Class 377/4 No. 377447 at Hassocks

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  Southeastern Class 377/5 No. 377501 at London Victoria

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  Southern Class 377/6 No. 377604 about to depart at London Victoria in June 2014

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  Southern Class 377/7 No. 377708 at East Croydon

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  The interior of Standard Class aboard a Southern Class 377/4

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  Southern Class 377

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  Southeastern Class 377