The December 10th timetable change was due to see the last of the BR built Class 319s leave passenger service*. 86 of these 4-car, 100 mph dual voltage units were built in two batches between 1987-88 and 1990. The original stomping ground was the new ‘Thameslink’ service from Bedford, through central London on the reopened Farringdon – Blackfriars route and out to Brighton.
Since being displaced by Siemens built Class 700s in the early 2010s they’ve had a varied career working for Northern and London Midland as well as some units being converted to bi-mode diesel-electric (Class 769) or even hydrogen. Right now, the final handful left in service are operating Northern services between Liverpool-Wigan-Blackpool, Wigan-Manchester or even Manchester Airport-Bolton-Blackpool.
So, here’s the start of a blog looking back at their lives and times…
On the 24th February 2015 the press were invited to Allerton depot in Liverpool to see the unveiling of the new ‘Northern electrics’ Class 319s which received a new livery and internal refresh that included new seat moquette. Afterwards we were treated to a run on one of the sets and opportunity to visit the cab. Here’s a few pictures from the event.
UPDATE: 19th December.
At the time of writing the last handful of 319s remain available for traffic and – whilst they have no booked work – anything between 1-4 get pressed into service to cover for unavailable units. I managed to get out on the 12th when a pair of the sets were working Manchester Airport – Bolton – Blackpool North diagrams although crew shortages meant some of the trips were cancelled or the trains run as empty stock.
If you want to enjoy more pictures of the Class 319s you can find them in the following galleries;
*Yes, I know the bi-mode Class 769s remain in service with Northern, but as they’re converted Class 319s they don’t count!
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