| Information | |
|---|---|
| Number built: | 192 (64 3-car sets) |
| Built: | 1976-77 |
| Builder: | BREL York |
| Engine: | 8 GEC G310AZ traction motors (25kV AC OHLE and 750v DC third rail) |
| Power: | 880 hp (656 kW) |
| Formation: | Driving Motor Standard Open (DMSO)+Pantograph Trailer Standard Open (PTSO)+DMSO |
The introduction into service was not smooth with numerous problems with the doors. Initially they had bi-parting sliding doors where the passengers could give a slight pull on the handle once the train had stopped and the doors would open automatically. Unfortunately passengers could find they could open the doors with sufficient force even while the train was moving. After 1977 the doors reverted to guard control. Some 313s were later reallocated to Great Eastern routes, being only under the wires they had their third rail collection equipment isolated [3].
After privatisation the Class 313s were operated by Silverlink and West Anglia Great Northern. In recent years they have been operated also by Southern on routes around Brighton [4]. As they only operate in third rail territory they have had their pantographs removed. Apart from the former tube stock on the Isle of Wight the Class 313s are the oldest EMUs on the network. The Greater Northern 313s are due to be replaced by new Class 717s in 2018.
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| Great Northern 313 038 at Finsbury Park |
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| Interior view |
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| At Moorgate terminus |
[1] Brian Haresnape & Alec Swain, Third Rail DC Electric Multiple-Units (Ian Allan, 1989) p, 82
[2] Chris Heaps, BR Diary 1968-1977 (Ian Allan, 1988) p. 100
[3] Colin J Marsden, Motive Power Recognition 2: EMUs (Ian Allan, 1982) p. 47
[4] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 237