British Rail Class 365
Encyclopedia
The British Rail
Class 365 "Networker Express" are dual-voltage 25 kV AC and 750 V DC
) electric multiple unit
s built by ABB
at York
from 1994 to 1995. These were the last units to be built at the York factory before it closed. All Class 365 units in service have received front-end cab modifications to equip them with cab air conditioning, which was installed by WAGN and the design of which has given them the nickname "Happy Train".
family was entering large-scale service in the Network SouthEast
sector - both third-rail EMUs (Class 465
/466
) and DMUs (Class 165
/166
) were in service, with proposals for others, including a so-called "Universal Networker", intended as Class 371 and 381
, that would have dual-voltage capability. However, by 1992 no work had been done in the development of these due to a lack of funding, so a replacement plan was required. For this, the Class 465 was modified for longer-distance services - a prototype was converted from an existing unit (designated as Class 465/3) to determine suitability, before funding was authorised for the purchase of 41 dual-voltage EMUs, each of four cars. These became the Class 365.
, were originally supplied only with DC shoe gear for use on the 750 volt third rail system (with the exception of unit 365502 which ran briefly on the AC network during testing and commissioning and was the main reason for this unit being chosen as the one sub leased from Connex South Eastern to WAGN to bolster unit availability in the aftermath of the Potters Bar Crash in 2002). In this configuration the maximum speed was 90 mph (145 km/h).
When they transferred to West Anglia Great Northern for use with 25 kV AC overhead line traction supply, the shoes and associated equipment were removed and a Brecknell Willis high speed pantograph was installed, along with other operator and voltage specific modifications and testing, by Bombardier Transportation Limited at their Doncaster Works, shortly before the works were closed.
However the 365s retain the original 750 volt DC bus, meaning that when on 25 kV overhead lines the current is collected as AC, rectified to DC for the onboard systems, and then inverted back to AC for the 3-phase traction motors. For running on overhead lines
the maximum speed was raised to 100 mph (161 km/h).
Basic equipment consists of;
Dynamic (rheostatic) braking on the two Driving Motor coaches is available in addition to disc brakes, via a system of brake blending.
In common with the whole Networker
fleet, Wheel Slide Protection (WSP) operates on every axle. Under braking conditions a blowdown valve releases air from the brake cylinder of any axle if the rotational speed varies significantly from the average axle speed on the train.
Internal LED Passenger Information Display Systems
(PIDS) and Auto-Announcers
are fitted across the entire fleet.
First Capital Connect
, who took over the service formerly operated by WAGN from 1 April 2006 as part of the amalgamated Thameslink
/Great Northern franchise, use Class 365s on outer-suburban services from King's Cross. These services are shared with Class 317
and Class 321
units, although 365s are seen more frequently. Services generally fall into two categories:
These services usually stop more frequently than the East Coast
expresses with which they share the southern section of the East Coast Main Line
, although there are exceptions, notably the non-stop services to Cambridge (many of which go on to King's Lynn), which are operated almost solely by Class 365 units.
All 40 units in service have received an interior refresh by FCC. This involved retrimming the carpet, dado panels and seat moquette and the two toilets were repainted. Externally these units are all in FCC livery, with the exception of four units carrying WAGN's special advertising liveries.
, then by South Eastern Trains
. All of the South Eastern Trains
units were transferred to WAGN in 2004. First Capital Connect now has all the Class 365 units.
British Rail
British Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...
Class 365 "Networker Express" are dual-voltage 25 kV AC and 750 V DC
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
) electric multiple unit
Electric multiple unit
An electric multiple unit or EMU is a multiple unit train consisting of self-propelled carriages, using electricity as the motive power. An EMU requires no separate locomotive, as electric traction motors are incorporated within one or a number of the carriages...
s built by ABB
Asea Brown Boveri
ABB is a Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, and best known for its robotics. ABB operates mainly in the power and automation technology areas. It ranked 143rd in Forbes Ranking ....
at York
York
York is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence...
from 1994 to 1995. These were the last units to be built at the York factory before it closed. All Class 365 units in service have received front-end cab modifications to equip them with cab air conditioning, which was installed by WAGN and the design of which has given them the nickname "Happy Train".
History
In the early 1990s the NetworkerNetworker (train)
The Networker is a family of trains which operate on the UK railway system. They were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s by BREL . The trains were built for the Network SouthEast sector of British Rail...
family was entering large-scale service in the Network SouthEast
Network SouthEast
Network SouthEast was one of three passenger sectors of British Rail created in 1982. NSE principally operated commuter trains in the London area and inter-urban services in densely populated South East England, although the network reached as far west as Exeter...
sector - both third-rail EMUs (Class 465
British Rail Class 465
The British Rail Class 465 Networker electric multiple units were built by GEC Alsthom and BREL between 1991 and 1993, and by ABB Rail between 1993 and 1994. They were brought into service from 1991 onwards. They are mostly used on suburban routes serving the South East of England, now operated by...
/466
British Rail Class 466
The Class 466 750 V DC third rail electric multiple unit is a suburban EMU, which operates with Class 465 EMUs in southeast London and Kent on the Southeastern network...
) and DMUs (Class 165
British Rail Class 165
The British Rail Class 165 Turbo is a fleet of suburban diesel multiple units , originally specified by and built for British Rail, the then United Kingdom state owned railway operator. They were built by BREL at York Works between 1990 and 1992...
/166
British Rail Class 166
The British Rail Class 166 Turbo Express is a fleet of diesel multiple units , originally specified by and built for British Rail, the then United Kingdom state owned railway operator. They were built by ABB at York Works between 1992 and 1993...
) were in service, with proposals for others, including a so-called "Universal Networker", intended as Class 371 and 381
British Rail Classes 371, 381 and 471
Class 371, Class 381 and Class 471 were proposed electric multiple unit classes from the Networker family of trains intended to operate services in the south-east of England.-Class 371 and 381:...
, that would have dual-voltage capability. However, by 1992 no work had been done in the development of these due to a lack of funding, so a replacement plan was required. For this, the Class 465 was modified for longer-distance services - a prototype was converted from an existing unit (designated as Class 465/3) to determine suitability, before funding was authorised for the purchase of 41 dual-voltage EMUs, each of four cars. These became the Class 365.
Description
Although specified as a dual voltage unit, Class 365s have never operated with this capability since they were built with only one system of traction current pick up. Units 365501 to 365516 which went to Connex South EasternConnex South Eastern
Connex South Eastern was a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It was owned by the Connex Group and operated between 14 October 1996 and 9 November 2003. The company operated passenger services in South London and Kent...
, were originally supplied only with DC shoe gear for use on the 750 volt third rail system (with the exception of unit 365502 which ran briefly on the AC network during testing and commissioning and was the main reason for this unit being chosen as the one sub leased from Connex South Eastern to WAGN to bolster unit availability in the aftermath of the Potters Bar Crash in 2002). In this configuration the maximum speed was 90 mph (145 km/h).
When they transferred to West Anglia Great Northern for use with 25 kV AC overhead line traction supply, the shoes and associated equipment were removed and a Brecknell Willis high speed pantograph was installed, along with other operator and voltage specific modifications and testing, by Bombardier Transportation Limited at their Doncaster Works, shortly before the works were closed.
However the 365s retain the original 750 volt DC bus, meaning that when on 25 kV overhead lines the current is collected as AC, rectified to DC for the onboard systems, and then inverted back to AC for the 3-phase traction motors. For running on overhead lines
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
the maximum speed was raised to 100 mph (161 km/h).
Basic equipment consists of;
- DMOC A - 4x 3-phase AC traction motors, traction inverter, sander
- TOSL - Compressor, auxiliary converter, disabled toilet
- PTOSL - Pantograph, transformer, auxiliary converter, small toilet
- DMOC B - 4x 3-phase AC traction motors, traction invertor, sander
Dynamic (rheostatic) braking on the two Driving Motor coaches is available in addition to disc brakes, via a system of brake blending.
In common with the whole Networker
Networker (train)
The Networker is a family of trains which operate on the UK railway system. They were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s by BREL . The trains were built for the Network SouthEast sector of British Rail...
fleet, Wheel Slide Protection (WSP) operates on every axle. Under braking conditions a blowdown valve releases air from the brake cylinder of any axle if the rotational speed varies significantly from the average axle speed on the train.
Internal LED Passenger Information Display Systems
Passenger information system
A passenger information [display] system is an electronic information system which provides real-time passenger information. It may include both predictions about arrival and departure times, as well as information about the nature and causes of disruptions...
(PIDS) and Auto-Announcers
Public address
A public address system is an electronic amplification system with a mixer, amplifier and loudspeakers, used to reinforce a sound source, e.g., a person giving a speech, a DJ playing prerecorded music, and distributing the sound throughout a venue or building.Simple PA systems are often used in...
are fitted across the entire fleet.
First Capital Connect
First Capital Connect
First Capital Connect is a passenger train operating company in England that began operations on the National Rail network on 1 April 2006...
, who took over the service formerly operated by WAGN from 1 April 2006 as part of the amalgamated Thameslink
Thameslink (train operating company)
Thameslink was a train operating company in the United Kingdom, run by Govia . It operated the London commuter railway line known by the same name...
/Great Northern franchise, use Class 365s on outer-suburban services from King's Cross. These services are shared with Class 317
British Rail Class 317
The British Rail Class 317 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL York in two batches, from 1981-82 and 1985-87. They were the first of several classes of British Rail EMU to be based on the all-steel Mark 3 bodyshell, departing from the "PEP"-aluminium design which had...
and Class 321
British Rail Class 321
The British Rail Class 321 alternating current electric multiple units were built by BREL York in three batches from 1988-91. The design was successful and led to the development of the similar Class 320 and Class 322 units for use by Strathclyde PTE and Stansted Express respectively...
units, although 365s are seen more frequently. Services generally fall into two categories:
- King's Cross to
- King's Cross to and on to
These services usually stop more frequently than the East Coast
East Coast (train operating company)
East Coast is a British train operating company running high-speed passenger services on the East Coast Main Line between London, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland...
expresses with which they share the southern section of the East Coast Main Line
East Coast Main Line
The East Coast Main Line is a long electrified high-speed railway link between London, Peterborough, Doncaster, Wakefield, Leeds, York, Darlington, Newcastle and Edinburgh...
, although there are exceptions, notably the non-stop services to Cambridge (many of which go on to King's Lynn), which are operated almost solely by Class 365 units.
All 40 units in service have received an interior refresh by FCC. This involved retrimming the carpet, dado panels and seat moquette and the two toilets were repainted. Externally these units are all in FCC livery, with the exception of four units carrying WAGN's special advertising liveries.
South Eastern Trains
The first 16 sets were fitted for use on the 750V DC lines and were operated as part of the South Eastern franchise, first by Connex South EasternConnex South Eastern
Connex South Eastern was a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It was owned by the Connex Group and operated between 14 October 1996 and 9 November 2003. The company operated passenger services in South London and Kent...
, then by South Eastern Trains
South Eastern Trains
South Eastern Trains was a British train operating company, in public ownership, that provided train services in south east London and South East England from 9 November 2003 to 31 March 2006....
. All of the South Eastern Trains
South Eastern Trains
South Eastern Trains was a British train operating company, in public ownership, that provided train services in south east London and South East England from 9 November 2003 to 31 March 2006....
units were transferred to WAGN in 2004. First Capital Connect now has all the Class 365 units.
Incidents
- 365526 - Trailing DMOC and PTOSL were damaged in the Potters Bar rail crashPotters Bar rail crashThere have been at least three railway accidents in Potters Bar, a town in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, just north of Greater London. One occurred in 1898, one in 1946 and the last in 2002.-1898:...
in 2002. Three coaches are in store at Crewe WorksCrewe WorksCrewe railway works is a British railway engineering facility built in 1840 by the Grand Junction Railway. It is located in the town of Crewe, in the county of Cheshire....
. The DMOC was written off as it was deemed to be beyond economical repair whilst the PTOSL, which sustained damage to the drag box and sole bar, was deemed to be repairable if needed. The 3 vehicles were bought from the insurance company, Lloyds, by HSBC Rail (UK) Ltd, the leasing agents of the Class 365s at that time, as a source of spare bodyshells and parts. - 365531 - Leading DMOC was damaged in a fatal collision with a tractor at Black Horse Drove crossing in October 2005.
- 365532 - Leading DMOC was damaged in a collision with a tractor at Hatson's User Worked Crossing in September 2011
Fleet details
| Class | No. Built | Cars per set | Year Built | Operator | No. in Traffic | Unit nos. | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 365 | 41 | 4 | 1994-1995 | First Capital Connect | 40 | 365501-365525 365527-365541 |
365526 stored out of use after Potters Bar Potters Bar rail crash There have been at least three railway accidents in Potters Bar, a town in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, just north of Greater London. One occurred in 1898, one in 1946 and the last in 2002.-1898:... rail incident. |
Naming
Eight sets have now been named:- 365 506 - "The Royston Express"
- 365 513 - "Hornsey Depot"
- 365 514 - "Captain George Vancouver"
- 365 518 - "The Fenman"
- 365 527 - "Robert Stripe - Passengers' Champion"
- 365 530 - "The Interlink Partnership"
- 365 536 - "Rufus Barnes - Chief Executive of London Travelwatch for 25 years"
- 365 537 - "Daniel Edwards - Cambridge Driver 1974-2010"
Special liveries
Four units carry advertising vinyls for places along the Great Northern route.- 365510 - Cambridge and Ely
- 365519 - Discover Peterborough
- 365531 - Norfolk-Nelson's County
- 365540 - Garden Cities of Hertfordshire