A fleet of dual-voltage Class 387 Electrostars has been ordered by rolling stock leasing company Porterbrook for delivery from October 2016, although currently no operator is lined up for the trains.
The order with Bombardier is for 80 vehicles, to be formed into 20 four-car trains. Full delivery will be completed by June 2017.
In a statement released on November 2, Porterbrook said: “These new trains will help satisfy the future demand for mid-distance electric trains which currently represent approximately 50% of all passenger trains in the UK. They will be required for the lines to be electrified in the near future, and they will be used to alleviate higher than forecast passenger growth and overcrowding.”
- For more on the deal, read RAIL 787, published on November 11.
Comment as guest
Comments
Ben H - 03/11/2015 16:30
These 80 extra '387' vehicles are not tied to a particular operator, so their use as battery IPEMUs on any mostly-electrified route not serving London (which already has comprehensive electrification) should be feasible. As I understand, it would be quicker to acquire another IPEMU from Bombardier than any manufacturer that still has spare capacity to build carriages from 2016 to 2020, possibly CAF. Meanwhile, the Class 345 test body shell could be used to work out the most efficient layout for battery and engine-generator set rafts. Equivalent to 20x 4-car units; enough extra for GWR to not require supplementary Class 365s. This would simplify maintenance. None can enter service on GWR until electrification reaches Reading, hence the suggestion that they be used elsewhere first.
Reply as guest
Melvyn Windebank - 03/11/2015 18:18
Given the news that following the unpauseing of MMLelectrification that the wires will only reach Corby by 2019 then these trains could be used on an extension of Thameslink services from Bedford to Corby ahead of the main MML electrification and help provide capacity for more long distance trains from the restricted 4 platforms MML use at St Pancras International .
Reply as guest
Andrewjgwilt1989 - 03/11/2015 20:54
With the Class 387/2's to be built 1st. Gatwick Express will cascade the Class 442's to be used on other routes or sadly it could be scrapped and with Class 387/3's to be built as well.
Reply as guest
DavidB_ - 25/11/2015 16:35
This is a new order that is being discussed here. Nothing to do with the Class 387/2 or 387/3.
Reply as guest
James - 07/04/2016 13:54
Why don't they give these units to GWR, leaving the Class 365s to move to Heathrow Express, Meaning that the Class 332 and 333s can be together, and the class 360s of Heathrow Connect can move to Greater Anglia. This seems the most logical solution.
Reply as guest