British Rail Class 318
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The British Rail Class 318 is an electric multiple unit train, which operates exclusively in the SPT network in West Central Scotland. The units were introduced fully on 29th September 1986 as part of the electrification of the Ayrshire Coast Line between Glasgow and Ayr/Largs/Ardrossan. They were also used on the Inverclyde Line in small numbers and on rare occasions the Cathcart Circle, Neilston and the Newton line.
Effectively a 3-car version of the Class 317 units used in the South East region, 22 of these Mark 3-based units were built by BREL at York works between 1984-1985, to replace the elderly Class 101 DMU's which had worked the Glasgow South Western sector for nearly 30 years. The technical description of the units are DTSO+MSO+DTSO, consisting of a central motor car with two driving trailers at either end. The units run on the standard 25kV AC overhead power collection system, and are standard class throughout, but with one toilet located in the rearmost driving trailer.
Two sets can be worked in multiple to form a 6-car set, which is usually the case for Glasgow-Ayr services, dropping to 3-car sets for the Largs and Ardrossan runs. The units have a maximum speed of 90mph, and can complete the 34 mile journey between Glasgow Central and Ayr in around 45 minutes.
Since the introduction of the Class 334 units onto the Ayrshire Coast route, a number of 318s have been cascaded onto the Argyle and North Clyde routes. On the latter the 318 can be sometimes be seen running in formation with Class 320 sets.
[edit] Accidents and Incidents
In July 1995, unit no. 318254/262 was operating the Glasgow Central - Largs service when a braking system failure resulted in the train overshooting the end of the platform at Largs. The train crashed through the station building and out onto Largs Main Street. Luckily, being very early in the morning, there were no serious injuries. The cab of vehicle 77244, (318254), needed to be completely rebuilt. 318262 managed to move by rail back to Shields Depot. According to the March 2005 edition of First ScotRail's newsletter, firstInsight, the reconstruction of the station building had then just been completed.
Other incidents include (No dates):
318252 was the first when it collided with a Class 156 at Townhead. 77242 cab needed reconstructed. It was out of service for 9 months.
318270/318264 collided with 156504 at Shields Junction. (156504 working 1138 Glasgow Central to Paisley Canal)/The 318s were operating ECS from Ayr to Shields Depot. 77288 received major damage to its side. 318270 was out of service for 6 months. 318264 returned relatively quickly.
318270/318263 were involved in a shunting incident at Shields Depot. 77289 received minor damage to its cab, but 77273 received substantial damage and was out of service for nearly a year.
77265 of 318255 derailed on leaving Glasgow Central whilst working the 1900 Glasgow Central to Ayr service. 77265 rocked violently before derailing on the points next to the end of platform 9.
318266 received fire damage to vehicles 62882/77256, when 303038's transformer exploded. It was out of service for 4 months.
[edit] Changes in the Fleet
During the late 1990s, the 318s underwent a minor refitting which involved replacing the seats with new seating in the newer corporate colours. It is unclear whether this was necessary due to normal wear or was just an improvement. Some sections also had a small table fitted between the seats. The repainting of the fleet was also undertaken gradually at this time.
Photo by Doctor Flange
Photo by Doctor Flange
Some Class 318s have recently undergone a conversion process which involves the removal of the corridor connection on the driver's cars. Although one might feel this is detrimental to passenger operations, there have been no great problems in the Class 334 or Class 320 which also have no corridor connection. Apart from 'cleaning up' the appearance of the driver's cars, this allows the driver to have a far more roomy operating environment and gives the driver a better overall view. A secondary advantage is that on hot days, the cramped environment of the pre-conversion 318s could be quite uncomfortable; with the conversion that is now taking place, this problem is being addressed.
The passenger accommodation has also been improved, with new passenger door controls, with the Alstom 'bing' sound as seen on the Class 334 Juniper units. The interior has been fully repainted in white, and new grab handles have been fitted.
New lighting has been fitted, with similar gondolas to the Class 320 units. First ScotRail originally promised new passenger information systems, similar to those seen on other trains. A passenger information system was not fitted to the first upgraded unit (318251/264), however they have been fitted to the subsequent units (318257, 318259, 318254, 318258, 318262, 318270 318263, 318265 and 318266). 318253 is currently undergoing refurbishment, and will be released during beginning of April 07. During February 07, 318264 was retrofitted at Shields and in March 07, 318251 was retrofitted at Hunslet. The retrofit brought 251/264 up to the same standard as the other refurbished units, which includes PIS.
The voice used in the audio announcement systems (in line with other First ScotRail services), is that of Scottish actress Fletcher Mathers. The system is based on the one used in class 320 units rather than the 334s.
[edit] Named Units
77240 - 318250 Unofficially named Geoff Shaw (plaque above the drivers cab) Reports ay that plaque has been removed (Mar 07)
- 318259
- 'Citizen's Network'
- 318266
- 'Strathclyder'
Photograph used by kind permission of James Howie.
