British Rail Class 315


The British Rail Class 315 alternating current electric multiple units are National Rail units currently in operation on suburban lines in London. They were built by BREL York works from 1980 to 1981, and they were the fifth and final variant of British Rail's then-standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles and five Classes. Like the Glasgow-based Class 314 units, they can only be used on the 25 kV overhead line.
The fleet works inner-suburban Transport for London-run services on the Shenfield Metro for TfL Rail and the Lea Valley Lines for London Overground out of London Liverpool Street.

Description

Each complete Class 315 unit is formed of four vehicles with them running for the majority in an 8 car formation with 12 car formations being common if demand is high or the route they are taking is long, such as ones to Southend Victoria or Southminster. The vehicles include: Driving Motor Standard Open, Pantograph Trailer Standard Open, Trailer Standard Open, and Driving Motor Standard Open. Each DMSO carries four traction motors rated at each and a main compressor and air reservoir which carries air for the brakes and suspension. The original pneumatic door system has been replaced by an all-electric door system. The PTSO carries the main and auxiliary transformers, batteries and battery charger, Stone Faiveley AMBR Mk.1 pantograph, vacuum circuit breaker and auxiliary compressor. The TSO carries no equipment other than that which is standard to all coaches.
The coaches only contain standard seating and have no toilet facilities. Car numbering is as follows:
Each four-car set is able to seat 318 passengers.
A refurbishment programme commenced from mid-2004, when National Express East Anglia contracted Bombardier to carry out the refurbishment of all 61 units, starting with the ex-First Great Eastern examples. The low-back 3+2 seating is retained, so the capacity stays the same.
The Class 315 units replaced the life-expired Class 306 units.

Operations

Historical services

Following the privatisation of British Rail, the Class 315s were divided between First Great Eastern and West Anglia Great Northern. The leasing company Eversholt Rail Group has owned the entire Class 315 fleet since privatisation.
From April 2004, National Express East Anglia ran the inaugural Greater Anglia franchise, which combined the previous operations of both First Great Eastern and WAGN, meaning the two Class 315 fleets were combined. The franchise was initially known as 'One' but was rebranded National Express East Anglia in February 2008.
The Class 315 fleet transferred to new operator Abellio Greater Anglia in February 2012. Abellio repainted the trains in its own livery, and undertook a refresh of the fleet, including a Passenger Information System and a flexible space for wheelchairs and cycles which includes tip-up seating and 'call to aid' buttons. Abellio used the fleet for local services out of to on the Great Eastern Main Line and, and on the Lea Valley Lines. They are also seen on the Upminster Branch Line between and, a duty shared with Class 317s.
However, until the end of operation by Abellio Greater Anglia, a number of them were found running further afield, running on the Great Eastern and West Anglia Main Lines at peak times only to Bishop's Stortford, Broxbourne, Southminster and Southend Victoria.
Initially, the Shenfield Metro and Upminster Branch Line services used only units 315801-843 and the Lea Valley Lines only 315844-861, reflecting the allocations of the former franchises.
All 61 units were then used interchangeably, operating out of Ilford depot.

Current services

The current operators are London Overground, who originally used units 315801 - 315817 on West Anglia inner services and Romford to Upminster services. They are also operated by London Overground's sister company, TfL Rail, who used units 315818 - 315861 on Shenfield metro services.
The gradual introduction of Class 345 units has meant that TfL Rail have been able to stand down the majority of their Class 315 fleet. Most of the withdrawn 315s have been scrapped, although some ex-TfL Rail 315s have since been transferred to London Overground as an interim measure, until their own Class 710 fleet is fully introduced.

Replacement

In July 2015, TfL confirmed that it would place a £260m order for 45 Bombardier Aventra EMU trains, which would replace London Overground's 315s. The Class 710 "Aventra" will be introduced on the West Anglia Routes, taken over from Abellio Greater Anglia in May 2015, in 2018.
Additionally, TfL Rail's 315s will be replaced by new Aventra trains in 2017–2019. On 20 October 2018, the first retired unit, 315850, was hauled to C F Booth of Rotherham to be scrapped.

Preservation

There is a Class 315 Preservation Group who aim to secure a 315 unit for preservation.

Fleet details

Named units

Some units have names, these are as follows: