Atomic Systems

Hello all.

I have never posted in this section before but I thought I would make my first post in this section a little interesting.

I have recently started a new job for a company contracted by First Capital Connect and am always on their trains, generally on the Great Northern route.

I have gotten to know quite a lot of drivers and other staff and as a result I get to know a little more than the regular passenger.

After speaking to a member of station staff on the Hertford Loop, (for those who don't know Class 313s are pretty much the only MUs that run on the loop) I have heard that FCC have inherited around 12 Class 313/1 units from Silverlink to add to FCCs collection of 313/0 units. The 313 units are due for 1 final overhaul before their long working life draws to an end.

For anyone who uses the Hertford Loop, you will know that the 313s run as 3 or 6 cars (2x3car units coupled up). They are often being coupled/uncoupled numerous times a day and as a result a lot of the couplers fail and the units need to be manually coupled up.

When these 313 units go for their final overhaul this year, FCC will be making these 313s permanent 6 car units but removing the 2 centre cabs in the middle of a 6 car consist and making them gangwayed.

Also I have heard that FCC have placed an order for a new class of EMUs to replace the ageing class 313s to run on the Hertford Loop. I believe that these will be permanent 6 car units unable to work in multiple, there is also a possibility of a few permanent 3 units. I am unsure as to what this new TOPS classification will be.

Just thought I'd share this little bit of insider news with you all.

If I hear any more I will keep you all posted.

Thanks

Steven

That's interesting news. The 313s also run up to Welwyn on my line, the main ECML. Strange to see that they're making the /1s into a full set.

I would be interested to see what the artists impression of the new trains would be like. I thought FCC would never get around to replacing the 313s.

Also it's nice to hear they're getting an overhaul. The interiors are getting a bit shoddy (I believe apart from the seat covers the interior has remained untouched since the trains were built)

Once again thanks for the interesting info.

George

Hi,

First Capital Connect and Network Rail have recently installed new single aspect LED bi-directional signals on the Hertford Loop for these new units they have on order.

I hear they have a prototype of the new unit to be delivered approximately the end of this year/beginning of next year. I have heard these new units may be part of the Electrostar family.

All FCC have to do next is replace the ageing 317s and 321s. I was on a 321 last week and the doors failed. The driver had to get out of his cab and kick them to close them as they were jammed. Good ol' 2nd gen MU's eh?

Anyone who has been on a 313 would certainly remember being shaken by the flats on the wheels. They're affectionately know on the railways as having square wheels!

Steven

It's exciting to hear they're going to be part of the Electrostar family, I'm quite fond of the fleet, and also the fact that they will be built in Derby would be brilliant.

Class 313's do have an absolutely awful ride and I certainly won't mind seeing the end of them! Apparently they are the oldest EMUs running in the whole of the UK, except for the 1938 tube stock on the Isle of Wight. I wouldn't say they're entirely suited to the high-density commuter service they provide out of London on weekdays either. There's a lack of poles to hold on to, the seating is 2+3 and quite cramped, and also the doors are painfully slow to open and close, and are quite unreliable.

I completely agree with you when you say 313s have an awful ride. The brakes do take a fair 15-25 seconds to release not helped by the fact the drivers open the throttle too fast whilst the brakes are releasing.

It is possible to have a smooth start off as a few drivers have achieved this in my experience. Mind you, the ride is not helped by the fact that most of the Hertford Loop, in fact most of the Great Northern route is so uneven and lopsided that its like riding a rollercoaster.

One thing I will say is that although the 313s are pretty much the oldest EMUs still in public service, they do still have very quick acceleration and brakes.

Fortunately I won't have to ride these ghastly machines very often now as I'm now mainly based on the Hitchin to Peterborough line which does have it's perks. So far I've seen Tornado 3 times in 2 weeks, Bittern last week and a Merchant Navy today, although it was being dragged by a 66 with a support coach. Still, very good variety of traction. I thoroughly enjoy this job as I can do some trainspotting whilst I work!

I never knew the horrid jerking as the train departs was because the brakes hadn't released properly yet. I've been thrown around by that a fair few times!

I do agree with you, and have to praise the 313s for their quick acceleration. They aren't too bad in the rain either, the 317s are awful in the rain.

Slightly off topic, I did manage to spot an A4 pacific on the ECML on the way to school on Friday. It tore through the village like hellfire
It would be interesting to know which one that was. (I think it was heading north at around 8:00 that morning, if you saw it last week it might have been Bittern)

George