London Midland Trains

[Tony]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

[Sh4318]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

[Stuharris 6360]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Must say that the 350s have now bought us an affordable alternative to Virgin Trains to London Euston. Yes its an increased journey time, but the 350s are comfortable and London Midland have some cheap fares, even if you turn up on the day unlike Virgin who charge expensive on the day.

[Rob H]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Must say that the 350s have now bought us an affordable alternative to Virgin Trains to London Euston. Yes its an increased journey time, but the 350s are comfortable and London Midland have some cheap fares, even if you turn up on the day unlike Virgin who charge expensive on the day.

Couldn't agree more Stu :)

[Sh4318]

The 350s are better than the Pendos in my opinion. I'd much rather ride on a 350 than a 390. Virgin and Chiltern journey times into London can be significantly shorter than those of London Midland

[Tony]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Must say that the 350s have now bought us an affordable alternative to Virgin Trains to London Euston. Yes its an increased journey time, but the 350s are comfortable and London Midland have some cheap fares, even if you turn up on the day unlike Virgin who charge expensive on the day.

Couldn't agree more Stu :)

And not always slower for some journeys. From my local station, Hednesford, to Euston is about the same total journey time catching a train to Birmingham and changing onto a Virgin service as it is catching a train the other way to Rugeley Trent Valley and changing onto one of the new 110 mph 350/1 services there, just over 2 hours which ever way I go!

[Stuharris 6360]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

Interestingly, just had a tweet from Trans - Pennine saying they have invested £60m on 10 new trains for the Manchester to Scotland line, no mention the trains are being leased from LM?

[Tony]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

Interestingly, just had a tweet from Trans - Pennine saying they have invested £60m on 10 new trains for the Manchester to Scotland line, no mention the trains are being leased from LM?

Well Transpennine haven't 'invested' any money in them. They are owned by Angel Trains, who also own the 350/1 and 350/4. The DfT made London Midland the 'lead' operator in getting Angel to buy the trains by guaranteeing their use for 'x' number of years after both franchises end. It seems what DfT are hoping for is when Trans-Pennine gets relet whoever takes that over,(of if First keep it) They will make a franchise commitment to lease new more suitable trains meaning the new operator of London Midland can get 10 extra units for future growth of a type already in service.

[Stuharris 6360]

Does anyone know when the Class 350/3s are due to enter service? Have they even been built yet?

I was told by a 'diagrammer' first one may be delivered mid February, all should be in service by August

sorry to sound foolish, but what will the difference be between a 350/1 or /2 & a 350/3?

350/1 were the original 30 that were originally ordered as class 450 for South West Trains, but the DfT transferred them to Silverlink in the plain grey livery. They have 2+2 seating with tables and have been modified to be capable of 110mph when on London-Crewe workings. They also have the facility to have 3rd rail shoes refitted to make them dual voltage.

350/2 were ordered as part of the franchise deal awarded to London Midland to replace all of the 321s (in the end 7 321s were kept, but this was not the original plan). They have 2+3 seating without tables, although more facing seats and are restricted to 100mph.

350/3 are an additional order to increase capacity on Euston services and the cross-city, by displacing 323s of other services, they are the first ones built to 110mph spec.

350/4 are from the same order as the 350/3, but are on sub-lease from London Midland to Trans-Pennine for use on Manchester-Scotland services until more suitable units are ordered when they should transfer back to local services. Different interior spec to the 350/3 and I believe are currently limited to 100mph

Interestingly, just had a tweet from Trans - Pennine saying they have invested £60m on 10 new trains for the Manchester to Scotland line, no mention the trains are being leased from LM?

Well Transpennine haven't 'invested' any money in them. They are owned by Angel Trains, who also own the 350/1 and 350/4. The DfT made London Midland the 'lead' operator in getting Angel to buy the trains by guaranteeing their use for 'x' number of years after both franchises end. It seems what DfT are hoping for is when Trans-Pennine gets relet whoever takes that over,(of if First keep it) They will make a franchise commitment to lease new more suitable trains meaning the new operator of London Midland can get 10 extra units for future growth of a type already in service.

Thanks for that Tony, shows how mis-leading these things can seem.

[Sh4318]

350403 entered its first day of service Monday, on the Manchester - Edinburgh service, looks immaculate to say the least, no interior photos unfortunately :(:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheekymonkey56/11801763554/in/contacts/

[Ex BC driver]

My dad got a staff newsletter about the 350/3 as a rumour started to circulate that London Midland wasn't getting them. There's 9 points listed as to what will be different such a coupler heaters fitted from build, and GSM-R fitted rather than NRN and CSR

[Kevin]

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Most likely yes, as will the Walsall and Wolves stoppers

[Sh4318]

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Most likely yes, as will the Walsall and Wolves stoppers

I knew they were destined for the Walsall - Wolverhamptons, I was just wondering the fate of the International shuttle. It will more than likely be Class 350 to allow another 323 to be used on the CrossCity line

[tank90]

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Most likely yes, as will the Walsall and Wolves stoppers

I knew they were destined for the Walsall - Wolverhamptons, I was just wondering the fate of the International shuttle. It will more than likely be Class 350 to allow another 323 to be used on the CrossCity line

The 3503xx's are going to used with 323's on Cross City. This is due Bromsgrove getting wires. People of Redditch are expecting to see them as they have been told in the local papers abou

[Tony]

350/1s much preferred in my opinion. Presumably all 26 Class 323s will be used on the CrossCity Line when the 350/3s come, does that mean the New Street - International shuttle will become Class 350?

Most likely yes, as will the Walsall and Wolves stoppers

I knew they were destined for the Walsall - Wolverhamptons, I was just wondering the fate of the International shuttle. It will more than likely be Class 350 to allow another 323 to be used on the CrossCity line

The 3503xx's are going to used with 323's on Cross City. This is due Bromsgrove getting wires. People of Redditch are expecting to see them as they have been told in the local papers abou

They are not going on the Cross City, you only have to look at both the DfT and London Midland press releases for this. 323s displaced by the 350s are to be used on the Bromsgrove extension