Driver training to start on EMR’s first electric fleet

The first electric trains have been delivered to East Midlands Railway, with driver training due to begin just after this issue of RAIL went to press.

Six of the former four-car Greater Anglia Class 360/1s had been delivered by November 18. All were moved to Cricklewood for initial training and testing, with some also due to head for the newly opened Kettering Electrical Sidings. All 21 trains are expected to be delivered by the middle of January.

The ‘360/1s’ will be the first electric trains to run north of Bedford. They will use the newly electrified overhead line equipment installed by Network Rail, testing of which continues.

When in traffic, the ‘360/1s’ will be used on the St Pancras International-Corby route, which will benefit from an enhanced timetable. They will operate usually in eight- or 12-car formations.

Built by Siemens in 2002-03, the ‘360/1s’ have run on the Great Eastern Main Line for their entire career, but have been undergoing modifications in recent weeks to increase their maximum speed to 110mph for Midland Main Line operation. Siemens carried out this work at Kings Heath (Northampton), with the work including new pantographs.

EMR said discussions are ongoing regarding interior refurbishments that are due to be carried out.

East Midlands Railway 360120, 360113 and 360104 stand in Cricklewood sidings on November 17. EMR has also taken delivery of 360103/116/120, with 15 more to follow.