British Rail Class 365


The British Rail Class 365 Networker Express are dual-voltage electric multiple-unit trains built by ABB York from 1994 to 1995. These were the last units to be built at the York factory before its closure. They received front-end cab modifications to equip them with cab air-conditioning, installed by WAGN, the design of which has given them the nickname "Happy Trains" as a result of its 'grinning' air intake.

History

In the early 1990s, the Networker family was entering large-scale service in the Network SouthEast sector – both third-rail 'Networker' EMUs and 'Network Turbo' DMUs were in service, with proposals for others, including a so-called "Universal Networker", intended as Class 371 and 381, that would have dual-voltage capability. However, by 1992, no work had been done in the development of these due to a lack of funding, so a replacement plan was required. For this, the Class 465 was modified for longer-distance services – a prototype was converted from an existing unit to determine suitability, before funding was authorised for the purchase of 41 dual-voltage EMUs, each of four cars. These became the Class 365.

Description

Although specified as a dual-voltage unit, Class 365s have never operated with this capability since they were built with only one system of traction current pickup. Units 365 501 to 365 516, which worked briefly for Network SouthEast before the franchise was given to Connex South Eastern, were originally supplied only with DC shoe gear for use on the 750 V third-rail system. In this configuration the maximum speed was.
When they transferred to West Anglia Great Northern for use with 25 kV AC overhead line traction supply, the shoes and associated equipment were removed and a Brecknell Willis high speed pantograph was installed, along with other operator and voltage-specific modifications and testing by Bombardier Transportation at its Doncaster Works, shortly before the works were closed.
However, the 365s retain the original 750 V DC bus, meaning that when on 25 kV overhead lines the current is collected as AC, rectified to DC for the onboard systems, and then inverted back to AC for the 3-phase traction motors. For running on overhead lines the maximum speed was raised to.
Basic equipment consists of:
Dynamic braking on the two Driving Motor coaches is available in addition to disc brakes, via a system of brake blending.
In common with the whole Networker fleet, wheel slide protection operates on every axle. Under braking conditions a blowdown valve releases air from the brake cylinder of any axle if the rotational speed varies significantly from the average axle speed on the train.
Internal LED Passenger Information Display Systems and Auto-Announcers are fitted across the fleet.

Current operations

Great Northern

took over all operations of the Class 365s in September 2014, having inherited the units from First Capital Connect. They are currently used under the Great Northern brand and are nowadays used predominantly on peak-time services on the following corridors, operating in formations of up to 12 coaches:
Since May 2018, the 365s have been replaced on off-peak services by both the Class 387 and Class 700 units, as part of the new GTR timetable.
Starting in January 2014, the fleet underwent a refurbishment by Bombardier Transportation at their Ilford site, some of which were completed on a two-part basis with a second stage starting from the summer of 2014. The first unit to be put back into service was 365 517, which began operations on 16 January 2014. The initial refurbishment comprised new seat upholstery, new flooring, interior and exterior repaint and an engineering overhaul to maintain reliability.
The second stage of upgrades has brought the units in line with the latest disability regulations by installing two wheelchair bays, new external door buttons and vestibule grab handles, a new wheelchair-accessible toilet, a new fully automated passenger information system with audio and visual announcements, and a call-for-aid in the wheelchair and toilet areas. This was retrofitted to units that had already undergone refurbishment prior to the start of works. Work was due to be completed in Autumn 2016.
In 2017, the Class 365 fleet was replaced on services to and by newer Class 387 "Electrostar" units. Great Northern has retained 21 Class 365s to operate peak-time limited stop services between and and.
In March 2015, it was confirmed that the remaining 19 Class 365s, would be cascaded to Great Western Railway once released from Thameslink services, to operate newly electrified services in the Thames Valley. However, in June 2016, GWR ordered additional Electrostar units for these services, so the 365s have not been transferred.
In late 2015 Eversholt Rail was awarded a contract for a First in Class installation of ETCS Level 2 for a Class 365 train operated by Govia Thameslink. It included an option to retrofit the rest of the fleet in time for the installation of ETCS Level 2 on the East Coast Main Line.
On 15 February 2018, Great Northern moved the first two debranded Class 365 units to be withdrawn from service to secure storage at Ely Papworth Sidings. These were 365501 and 365505.

Former operations

South East England

The first 16 units were fitted for use on the 750 V DC lines, entering service on 16 August 1996 for Network SouthEast. Following franchising, they became part of the South Eastern franchise, operated from 13 October that year by Connex South Eastern, then by South Eastern Trains. All were transferred to WAGN in 2004.

ScotRail

In April 2018, ten Class 365s were subleased from Great Northern to Abellio ScotRail in response to a rolling stock shortage which was caused by the delayed entry to service of the new Class 385 units and a number of DMUs which are due to go off lease and transfer to Arriva Rail North. They entered service on 23 June 2018 on Glasgow to Edinburgh services after modifications and driver training. The last day in passenger service for ScotRail was Tuesday 12th March 2019.

Accidents

Future

was proposing to make use of an unspecified number of Class 365s for parcel services. However, the exact class of unit is yet to be announced, as the company is reported to be looking at a number of options.

Naming

A total of twelve units have been named. 365505 and 365515 were named by Connex South Eastern, and have subsequently been removed. Vinyl nameplates with a pink backing were applied to the driving vehicles, behind the cab doors, by First Capital Connect. Following a repaint into Govia Thameslink Railway colours most were removed, however several have since been reapplied in the same style but with a light blue backing.