Less than half the ‘319’ fleet is now in use on Thameslink services.
THE introduction of more Class 700s by Govia Thameslink Railway in January saw further Class 319s taken out of traffic, reducing the active fleet on Thameslink services to just 39 sets.
Several of the units that are off lease have been moved to Wolverton, while three sets have been taken to Long Marston, Warwickshire, for secure storage. The first arrived on January 17, when No. 47812 hauled the 5V67/15.09 Wolverton-Long Marston with No. 319451 in tow. A week later, the same loco moved Nos. 319214/453, which had been taken out of use earlier in the month, as the 5V67/11.43 Cricklewood-Long Marston.
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Also now off lease are Nos. 319370/371/384/385, all of which moved to Wolverton for storage during January. Their departure means there are no longer any Class 319/3 sets in service with GTR. The accompanying table provides details of the position regarding the entire Class 319 fleet as of late January.
The number of Class 387 duties on Thameslink was reduced from six diagrams to four on January 23, resulting in three of the remaining nine sets being moved away.
No. 387124 has been temporarily reallocated to Gatwick Express duties – replacing No. 387210, which is out of service. It was in action on Victoria-Gatwick Airport services on January 24. Joining the Great Northern fleet are
Nos. 387101/103, this pair being moved as the 5Z87/03.58 Brighton Lovers Walk-Hornsey on January 23.
These moves leave just Nos. 387105/115/118/121/122/127 on Thameslink duties, and all are due to be replaced by Class 700 stock during February.
Read more News in the March issue of RE – out now!
