The first Class 345 will begin testing at Bombardier’s Derby Litchurch Lane in May.

The Aventra is the first of 66 electric multiple units (EMUs) to be built for Crossrail, and which are due to enter passenger traffic in May 2017. Crossrail Operations Director Howard Smith confirmed the plans in an exclusive interview with RAIL.

Once testing is completed at Derby, the ‘345’ will be moved to Old Dalby for testing at the Rail, Innovation and Development Centre (RIDC) test track. That will last until October, when the EMU is then moved to Bombardier’s Ilford facility, where it will be used for route proving tests on the Great Eastern Main Line. Class 345s will be introduced onto the GEML between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield first, so testing is required here.

In February 2017, it will be moved to Old Oak Common for training and further testing. Taylor Woodrow is building a depot at the West London site, with a nine-road shed and 34 sidings being constructed. 

  • For much more on this, read RAIL 798, published on April 13.
  • For much more on the trains, read RAIL 801, published on May 25.