scot-rail.co.uk...

Introduction

Sixteen Class 314 EMUs were ordered from BREL York for use on the re-opened Argyle Line (Partick to Rutherglen via Glasgow Central Low Level), which opened in 1979. Initially they mainly worked these services, although they occasionally worked Ayrshire Line.


As the Argyle Line was being built Trans Clyde needed more EMU's because even with 91 "Blue Trains" and 18 Class 311 there wasn't enough for all of the electrified network. BREL York built 16 units numbered 314201-216. These units first operated Argyle and some North Clyde services. However they shared these routes with 303's. The first units in service was 314202 on November 9th 1979. As time went by the 314's were pushed out of the North Clyde services and remained on the Argyle Line. In 1999 the Class 314's were moved to primarily the Cathcart Circle, Neilston and Newton services. The remaining Class 303's operated Inverclyde, Argyle and North Clyde services with the Class 318s and Class 320s.
When the Class 303 were retired the 314's started operating a diagram on the Inverclyde services and now operate most Sunday Wemyss Bay services.

Refurbishment

The 314s are currently went through a life extension programme with OTMR being fitted, as they will remain in service until around 2015. The Class 314 started in January 2011, what is expected to be the last major refurbishment programme the Class will get, and will bee the fleet being saltired.

314202 was the last SPT unit to be in Strathclyde Orange and Black, but went into Glasgow Works for refurbishment and repainting on 23rd November 2006.

Accidents

The 314 was involved in one accident. On Sunday the 21st July 1991 314203 left Newton heading for Balloch passing a red light. A terminating train was expected to cross over the line in path of the 314. Both trains collided head on and killed 4 and injured 22.

Services

Present to December 2010

Currently three quarters of the Class 314's work the Cathcart/Newton/Neilston services and the remaining quarter work the Glasgow-Gourock/Wemyss Bay services. Only very rarely in the event of an emergancy will the 314's work the Ayrshire services.

December 2010 to March 2010

From December, the Class 314s will be split between Inverclyde and Cathcart services. Thirteen diagrams will cover Cathcart Circle and branches, while a fourteenth diagram will work Glasgow to Gourock services.

April 2011 onwards

From April 2011 there will be one less diagram, with the Inverclyde diagram will be covered by a Class 380. A number of services to Inverclyde will continue to be operated by Class 314s, but these will be limited in number. When the Class 380 are fully up and running, some additional 6 car Class 314 will operate services.During Disruption witch stops 380 from running 314s can be seen on some services to Ardrossan Harbour.

See also...

Internal Links

Class 314 Formations
Diagrams:Class 314
Class 314 C5E Overhaul
Class 314 Relivery and Overhaul 2011-2012

External Links

• Wikipedia Class 314 page