Class 311 Profile and Models
311092 at Glasgow Central in 1984. ©Murgatroyd49
The British Rail Class 311 alternating current (AC) electric multiple units (EMU) were built by Cravens at Sheffield in 1967. They were intended for use on the line from Glasgow Central to Gourock and Wemyss Bay, which was electrified in 1967. Outwardly, the units were virtually identical to the earlier Class 303 units built in 1960. The interiors were also very similar, including the panoramic full forward passenger view through the glass-walled driving cabs. In practice, the Class 311 operated almost interchangeably with the Class 303 and could be found in service across the Glasgow electrified suburban network. Being a much smaller and unrefurbished fleet, the Class 311 was withdrawn much earlier than the Class 303, being replaced by the new Class 320 in 1990. After being withdrawn from normal traffic, two units, 311103/104 were transferred to departmental duties as Class 936 sandite units, numbered 936103/104. These lasted in service until 1999, when they were withdrawn. |
|
Type of Unit |
Electric Multiple Unit |
Builder |
Cravens |
Build Dates |
1967 |
Total Built |
19 sets |
Coaches Per Unit |
3-car |
Capacity |
236 seats |
Power Output |
890hp |
Top Speed |
75 mph |
Operated By |
British Rail |
Main Duties |
Local Passenger |
In Service Until |
1990 |
Surviving Examples |
1 set |