Electrostar facts for kids
The Electrostar is a very popular type of electric passenger train in Britain. These trains are built by a company called Bombardier Transportation. They are known as "electric multiple units" (EMUs) because they use electricity to run and are made of several connected carriages that can operate as one train.
Since the train system in Britain became private, the Electrostar has become the most common new electric train. You'll often see different versions of these trains, like the Class 357, Class 375, Class 376, and Class 377. They are very common on busy routes, especially around South London and going to places like Sussex, Kent, and South Essex.
The Electrostar trains share their basic design and body with another type of train called the Turbostar. The Turbostar is a similar train, but it runs on diesel fuel instead of electricity. Most Electrostar trains were put together at Bombardier’s factory in Derby.
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What is an Electrostar Train?
An Electrostar train is a modern electric train designed for carrying many passengers, especially commuters. Commuters are people who travel regularly between their home and work or school. These trains are built to be reliable and comfortable for daily journeys. They are powered by electricity, which means they are quieter and produce less pollution than diesel trains.
Different Types of Electrostar Trains
There are several different versions, or "classes," of Electrostar trains. Each class is designed for slightly different routes or services.
Class 357
The Class 357 Electrostar trains are used by the c2c train company. They operate on routes from London Fenchurch Street to places in South Essex, like Shoeburyness. These trains are known for their quick acceleration and are great for stopping at many stations on commuter lines.
Class 375
The Class 375 Electrostar is one of the most common types. It is mainly used by Southeastern for routes across Kent and into London. These trains come in different lengths, with some having three carriages and others having four. They are often linked together to make longer trains during busy times.
Class 376
The Class 376 Electrostar trains are also used by Southeastern. They are designed for shorter, busier routes within South London. These trains have a different seating layout, with more standing room, which helps carry more people during rush hour.
Class 377
The Class 377 Electrostar trains are used by the Southern train company. They run on routes from London Victoria and London Bridge to places across Sussex and Surrey. These trains are known for being very versatile and can be found on both fast express services and slower stopping services.
Class 378
The Class 378 Electrostar trains are part of the London Overground network. These trains are designed specifically for urban routes within London. They have wide doors and open gangways between carriages, making it easier for passengers to move around and get on and off quickly at busy stations.
Class 387
The Class 387 Electrostar is a newer version. These trains are used by companies like Great Western Railway and Gatwick Express. They are designed to be faster and have more modern features, including power sockets for charging devices. Some Class 387 trains are also used on routes to Gatwick Airport.
Where are Electrostars Built?
Most of the Electrostar trains were built at a large factory in Derby, England. This factory, known as the Derby Carriage and Wagon Works, has a long history of building trains for Britain's railways. It's where many of the trains you see every day are put together.
Images for kids
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357030 at Barking in National Express c2c livery. Electrostar trains are the new standard on many of London's commuter routes.
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A Southeastern Class 375 Electrostar at Strood.
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Interior of a Southeastern electrostar (Class 375).
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A Southeastern Class 376 Electrostar in Southeastern livery.
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A Southern Class 377.
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A London Overground Class 378 in TfL livery at Crystal Palace.
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Great Western Railway Class 387 "Electrostar" EMUs 387131 & 387132 at London Paddington on 2 September 2016.
