313121
313121 is owned by the Fife Heritage Railway,
With the ACMU Society providing support to the organisation.
British Rail History:
Originally built in 1977 at BREL works in York, 313021 began its life working on the newly Electrified Great Northern Electric scheme from Moorgate to Welwyn Garden City. In 1989 it had additional shoegear fitted to the outer bogies and was transferred to the Euston – Watford DC route, where there are long gaps in the third rail. it was later renumbered into a new 313/1 subclass, becoming the 313121 we all know today.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
313121
Vehicles Owned By:
The Fife Heritage Railway
Located at Kirkland Near Leven, Scotland
ACMU Society Role:
Providing publicity and support towards the ongoing Conservation
Vehicle Details:
Driving Motor Standard Open
DMSO No. 62549
Pantograph Trailer Standard Open
PTSO No. 71233
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Driving Motor Standard Open
DMSO No. 62613
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Restored Cosmetically and on public display
More Information:
313021 at Hitchin in 1980, Thanks to John Law
In 1994, Following Privatisation of BR, Ownership passed to Eversholt Rail Ltd. 313121 continued operating in passenger service under operator Silverlink until its end in 2007. It was then transferred to services running under London Overground, Operating over the North London and West London lines. The final day of scheduled operation was 19th Feb 2010, but 313121 stayed on lease until the 13th September, operating on an adhoc basis, being one of the final two units in service.
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In 2012, Eversholt passed ownership from 313121 To Beacon Rail Limited, alongside the Southern Rail /2 examples.
ERTMS Testing
Network Rail leased 313121 as a test vehicle for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) installation on the Hertford Loop. The unit was repainted into Network Rail's yellow house colours and internally refurbished at Alstom's Wembley Intercity Depot, to include a new driving desk, technician's workstation, kitchen and toilet facilities, and the necessary ERTMS equipment. The work was completed in June 2013 and the unit was tested for the first time on Friday 5 July 2013 between Wembley and Bletchley. It commenced testing on the Hertford Loop later that month. Following conclusion of the Hertford Loop works, it was placed in store at Eastleigh Works in May 2018. It was expected to be used again when ERTMS was ready for testing on the Great Western Main Line, but Network Rail instead listed the unit for sale by tender in January 2023.
313121 at Alexandra Palace on the 24th Aug 2020, Thanks to Jamie Ken Warr
RHDAB Designation and Preservation​
​In December 2022 the FHR began laying track and carrying out preparations for the arrival of the sole surviving hydrogen powered 614209, ex ScotRail 314209, which was based at the Bo'ness and Kinnell Railway. The plan for this unit included a full repaint into one of it's past liveries as well as re numbering the unit from 614 back to 314, but unfortunately said plans fell through. Not long after this in June 2023 the FHR was approached about a similar unit, this being 313121.
At the time the Railway Heritage Designation Advisory Board (RHDAB) were looking towards the Class 313s as a potential candidate for designation. 313201 (Class pioneer 313001) was originally proposed for designation, being the first unit built. However the designation was changed to 313121 in 2023 as it retained it's original dual voltage equipment and low-back seats. 313201, thankfully, retained its spot in preservation and is now in the care of the
313121 lit up in Kirkland Yard, Thanks to Callum Adam
Following a few months of communication and planning with the relevant organisations 313121 eventually arrived at the FHR from Melton Rail Innovation & Development Centre (Asfordby) on 16th August in the form of three Alleys trucks being escorted by police Scotland for the final leg of the journey. Since it's arrival 121 has proven to be a very popular attraction with enthusiasts and members of the public travelling from all over the UK to see it. During the FHRs annual "Doors Open" event in September 121 is the centre of attention as visitors get to the chance to walk through the train and sit inside the cab as well!​
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Future Preservation Plans​
The future plan for 313121 has recently been decided upon, and work is now underway to achieve it.
- One coach of the unit (62549) will retain an almost complete original interior and have photos and posters to match that, there will also be one of Network Rails TV screens left inside this coach for people to play Train Simulator on.
- The middle coach of the unit (71233) will retain the small amount of seating it has and will also be an exhibition area where parts from the units signal testing equipment will be displayed.
- The last coach (62613) will retain the small amount of interior it has left and will also be used as a space to display and promote events and projects at the FHR. Once all of this has been completed, the 313 will become a walk-through attraction all year round.