Class 350 'Desiro' Profile and Models
350123 at Cathiron in April 2017. ©Steve Knight
The British Rail Class 350 is a class of electric multiple-unit built by Siemens Transportation Systems to its Desiro design between 2004 and 2014. The Class 350/1 units were originally part of an order for 32 five-car Class 450 units for South West Trains. However, they were never built as such. n late 2007, a second batch of 37 was ordered by London Midland to replace its Class 321s. Between 2013 and 2014, a further 20 were manufactured for London Midland and First TransPennine Express. Each took on ten units, the former designated the Class 350/3 and the latter the Class 350/4. Class 350 trains are nearly identical to those of Class 450. The latter class is only fitted with traction equipment for Southern Region 750 V DC third rail, whilst the Class 350/1 units can operate from either 25 kV 50 Hz AC OLE, as is done in regular service, or alternatively third rail (350/1s only). All Class 350 units built since are not equipped for third-rail use but, like most modern British EMUs, can be retrofitted if necessary. All of London Midland's 77 Class 350s were inherited by West Midlands Trains on 9 December 2017. WMT operate all of the units under its London Northwestern Railway brand. |
|
Type of Unit |
Electric Multiple Unit |
Builder |
Siemens Transportation Systems, Germany |
Build Dates |
2004 to 2014 |
Total Built |
87 Sets |
Power Output |
2,680 hp |
Top Speed |
110 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
Up to 270 seats Up to 149 standing |
Operated By |
Central Trains Silverlink London Midland London & North Western Railway TransPennine Express |
Main Duties |
Local & Regional Passenger |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
All in Service |