After a short delay, the first Class 345 train for the new Elizabeth Line finally entered service on the Liverpool Street to Shenfield TfL Rail line. The first train was expected to enter service in May 2017 however this got pushed back to June in order to complete thorough testing of the units.
 |
| 345 005 arrives at Maryland forming a TfL Rail service to Liverpool Street 22/06/17 © Tommy Cooling |
 |
| 345005 at Shenfield plat. 5 awaiting its return trip to Liverpool Street 22/06/17 © Lewis Nagle |
Today's introduction was another big step forward towards the grand opening of the whole Elizabeth line in 2019. The Liverpool Street to Shenfield line passed into TfL control at the end of May 2015, and branded TfL Rail as an interim measure using the existing Greater Anglia Class 315s. These have since been refurbished inside and out with a smart white and blue TfL Rail livery. For the first time, this section of line now appeared on the Tube Map in TfL Rail blue. Next May will see Heathrow Connect services branded as TfL Rail before the Elizabeth line name is launched in December 2018 with the opening of the core section. Full through-journeys will start in 2019.
 |
| TfL Rail 315861 still in Greater Anglia livery on the first day of TfL operation at Gidea Park 31/05/15 © Tommy Cooling |
 |
| TfL Rail Class 315835 shows off the new white and blue livery adopted on the former Greater Anglia units 30/09/15 © Tommy Cooling |
Primarily running for a press launch, 345005 made one round trip in passenger service, departing Liverpool Street at 10:35 under the watchful eye of the attending media, returning at 12:25 at which point the train then ran empty back to the depot.
 |
| 345005 having just arrived at Liverpool Street after its first round trip in passenger service 22/06/17 © Tommy Cooling |
 |
| 345005 at Shenfield plat. 5 (east end) just after arriving from Liverpool Street after its first trip. Here you can see the train is surrounded by enthusiasts and the media who were all present on the first run! © Lewis Nagle |
 |
| Crossrail new vs. old at Liverpool Street with the new class 345 alongside the old 315 22/06/17 © Tommy Cooling |
The first trip was a press release, so multiple members of the press was on the train, mainly on the northbound trip out of Liverpool Street. As this train was closely following a conventional Class 315 set, the train was picking up the passengers mainly who wanted to see the new train, as well as the odd lucky passenger who just so happened to get the train.
The trains have mixed longitudinal and transverse seating. However, compared to the 315 sets, there is far less transverse seating for the longer-distance traveller. At least the transverse seating is decent for the longer-distance traveller, as it is high-backed. For the shorter distance passengers, there are standing strap handles and poles which allow for better standing. Liverpool Street to Shenfield may not seem too long, but once we have trains running from Reading to Shenfield, it's fairly doubtful someone wants to be sitting sideways on a train the whole way through (although we reckon it's unlikely this full journey will be regularly travelled!).
This kind of seating is very similar to the ones on the Class 378, but as this train is designed for both short and long distance travellers, it is hard to find a fitting configuration correct for the mixed type of passengers on these trains. One massive upside over the older trains is the air conditioning. Notably, as the recent warm days have shown, air conditioning has been increasingly crucial for passenger comfort. A well controlled climate on a train is much better than a passenger taken ill at a station. This train has a good functioning air conditioning system.
As can be seen in this video, the new 'Aventra' undercarriage design involves very quiet motors which is very noticeable on board but even more so outside. Here is 345005 leaving Liverpool Street after its public rounder just showing how quietly the train glides away.
Subject to short term cancellations, the 10:35 Liverpool Street to Shenfield service, followed by the 11:39 Shenfield to Liverpool Street service, should be operated by a 345 unit from Monday 26-June to Friday 30-June, for those who wish to sample the delights of the new trains.
What happens beyond this date is yet to be seen.
315 861 interior, showing off the interior of the current trains, albeit pre-refresh.
CC Aubrey Morandarte
 |
| 315848 interior following the TfL Rail refurbishment. © Lewis Nagle |
345 005 comparison, showing the different, higher backed seating for the transverse seats 22/06/17
© Aubrey Morandarte
The trains have mixed longitudinal and transverse seating. However, compared to the 315 sets, there is far less transverse seating for the longer-distance traveller. At least the transverse seating is decent for the longer-distance traveller, as it is high-backed. For the shorter distance passengers, there are standing strap handles and poles which allow for better standing. Liverpool Street to Shenfield may not seem too long, but once we have trains running from Reading to Shenfield, it's fairly doubtful someone wants to be sitting sideways on a train the whole way through (although we reckon it's unlikely this full journey will be regularly travelled!).
The longitudinal seating at each end of the train 22/06/17
© Aubrey Morandarte
This kind of seating is very similar to the ones on the Class 378, but as this train is designed for both short and long distance travellers, it is hard to find a fitting configuration correct for the mixed type of passengers on these trains. One massive upside over the older trains is the air conditioning. Notably, as the recent warm days have shown, air conditioning has been increasingly crucial for passenger comfort. A well controlled climate on a train is much better than a passenger taken ill at a station. This train has a good functioning air conditioning system.
As can be seen in this video, the new 'Aventra' undercarriage design involves very quiet motors which is very noticeable on board but even more so outside. Here is 345005 leaving Liverpool Street after its public rounder just showing how quietly the train glides away.
Subject to short term cancellations, the 10:35 Liverpool Street to Shenfield service, followed by the 11:39 Shenfield to Liverpool Street service, should be operated by a 345 unit from Monday 26-June to Friday 30-June, for those who wish to sample the delights of the new trains.
What happens beyond this date is yet to be seen.
 |
| 345005, 315860 and 90006 all at Shenfield today in a unique combination which will be very different in years to come. © Lewis Nagle |
Post and photo contributions by Aubrey Morandarte, Tommy Cooling and Lewis Nagle.
Please adhere to the respective copyright notices.
Please adhere to the respective copyright notices.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.