British Rail Class 303
| British Rail Class 303 Blue Train | |
|---|---|
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303016 at Milngavie on 14 June 1986
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| In service | 1960 - 2002 |
| Manufacturer | Pressed Steel |
| Order number |
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| Built at | |
| Family name | BR First Generation Mark 1 |
| Replaced | Various steam engines/early carriages |
| Constructed | 1959 - 1961 |
| Entered service | 1960 - 1961 |
| Refurbishment | 1984 - c.1990 |
| Scrapped | 1974 - 2003 |
| Number built | 91 trainsets |
| Number preserved | 1 set |
| Number scrapped | 90 sets |
| Formation | 3 cars per trainset:
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| Diagram |
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| Design code | AM3 |
| Fleet numbers |
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| Capacity |
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| Operator(s) | |
| Depot(s) | |
| Line(s) served | |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Steel |
| Train length | 199 ft 6 in (60.81 m) |
| Car length |
|
| Width | 9 ft 3 in (2.82 m) |
| Height | 12 ft 8 in (3.86 m) |
| Floor height | 3 ft 7.5 in (1.1 m) |
| Doors | Twin leaf sliding, pneumatically operated |
| Articulated sections | 3 |
| Wheelbase | 46 ft 6 in (14.17 m) (bogie centres, per car) |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight |
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| Traction motors | 4 × MV 155kW |
| Power output | 618 kW (829 hp) |
| Train heating | Electric |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC and 6.25 kV AC Overhead |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| UIC classification | 2'2'+Bo'Bo'+2'2' |
| Bogies |
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| Braking system(s) | Electropneumatic |
| Safety system(s) | AWS |
| Coupling system |
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| Multiple working | Within class and Class 311 |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 303 electric multiple units, also known as "Blue Train" units, were introduced in 1960 for the electrification of the North Clyde and the Cathcart Circle lines in Strathclyde. They were initially classified as AM3 units before the introduction of the TOPS classification system, and were the dominant EMU on the Glasgow suburban railway network for over 25 years before being progressively phased out by newer rolling stock. The final units were withdrawn from service in 2002. The fleet's lifespan was 42 years.
The units were later used on the Inverclyde and Argyle lines of the Glasgow suburban railway network as various electrification schemes came to fruition.
Ninety-one 3-car units were built by Pressed Steel at Linwood near Paisley, from 1959–1961, although they were not introduced into service until 1960. A further 19 near-identical Class 311 units were built in 1967 following the Inverclyde electrification, although these units were built by Cravens in Sheffield.
When new, the units were initially numbered in the range 001-091, but were later renumbered to 303 001-091 when TOPS was introduced. Each unit consisted of 3-cars coupled together in a semi-permanent formation, and up to four sets could be operated in multiple to form up to a 12-car formation. Although 6-car formations were frequently operated, 9-car formations were operated occasionally. 12-car formations were usually only seen as a result of train failures or ECS workings to the depots at Shields Road or Hyndland. The two outer carriages of each unit were driving trailers, with an intermediate motor coach containing the motor bogies and electrical equipment. Units operated from the standard 25 kV alternating current (AC) overhead power lines system, with power collection via a Stone Faiveley AMBR pantograph on the motor coach. The technical description of the formation is DTSO+MBSO+BDTSO. Individual vehicle numbers are shown below.
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