CLASS 313 FAREWELL TOUR -- 23rd OCTOBER 2019

The Class 313s, a revolutionary design of dual-voltage Electric Multiple Unit when new in 1976, are now the oldest EMUs still in service on the British mainland. Those that have remained on the Great Northern are being replaced by new Class 717 units and it is planned that the entire fleet introduction will be completed very soon. A six-car Class 313 train is being retained specially for a celebratory run on the lines for which the class was designed.
The Great Northern examples have been replaced by new six-carriage Class 717s (left). The transition commenced on 25 March 2019, with the first two 717s entering service. The first of the Great Northern fleet withdrawn was 313026 in February 2019. It was the first dispatched for scrapping in April 2019. Upon retirement 313201 will be preserved by the National Railway Museum.

The exact route is still being developed, but expect a journey from King’s Cross to Royston and back, taking in the main line via Welwyn and the Hertford branch, together with a trip ‘down the hole’ to Moorgate and back. Hornsey reversing siding, the Ferme Park Flyover and hopefully Letchworth arrival and departure line are expected to be included for the benefit of the yellow pen brigade. Departure from London Kings Cross station is scheduled for 10am on Wednesday 23rd.

The trains have no toilets but there will be a couple of breaks along the way, along with a leg-stretching break of just under an hour at Hertford North. There will be no on-board catering so you will need to bring everything you require, or purchase items at King’s Cross. There will be no seat reservations so you can sit where you wish, and in the interests of comfort we will sell tickets only up to two-thirds of nominal seating capacity.

313 CLASS LIVERIES

This tour is also a farewell to Govia Thameslink’s popular and charismatic Engineering Director, Gerry McFadden, who is leaving the company, having been in charge of the fleet through a hectic period of intense change, of which the retirement of the 313s represents the conclusion.

Also note that this is a charity trip, the proceeds of which will be donated to GTR’s nominated good causes. There will be an onboard raffle which may feature a few unusual prizes!