Trials begin for Orion parcels Class 319
THE FIRST of the Class 319s converted to carry parcels for Orion Logistics was demonstrated to interested parties, including the Royal Mail, in mid-November. Unveiled earlier in 2020, 319373 was hauled from Eastleigh Works to Wembley Yard by 57312 on November 17, the unit then undertaking trial runs to and from the Willesden Railnet terminal that afternoon and again the following morning. Once these were concluded, the set was returned to Eastleigh later on the 18th.
Meanwhile, the number of Class 319s leased by Orion has risen to six, with 319380 arriving at Eastleigh Works behind 57312 on
November 19 after a period in store at Northampton Kings Heath. It was followed on December 8 by 319011, the same Class 57 moving the set south from Long Marston.
The first set to be converted to FLEX specification emerged from Loughborough on December 4, 57312 once again being provided to haul 319010 to Eastleigh Works, where it will receive the internal modifications and new livery. Notably, the EMU is currently simply numbered 010 while it awaits a decision on a new classification and set number. Indications are that a new ‘769’ sub-class will be created to keep the parcels units separate from the passenger carrying fleet.