315837+315857 at ShenfieldWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315837+315857 approach Shenfield with 5W95 15.33 Shenfield Stabling Sidings - Shenfield ECS working 12.10.22 As part of my trip to the South Coast during the October Holidays, I decided to spend the day in London. Most of the trip was spent exploring the Underground, (more about this in a future blog post), however I also took the advantage of the opportunity to sample a ride on a class 315 for the first and probably the last time.

The class 315 is the newest of the PEP family, having been brought into service in 1980.   Being powered by the OHLE, the 315 is essentially a four car version of the much missed 1979 build class 314 which ran on the Argyle lines and laterly the Cathcart Circle, Newton and Neilston lines.   With a seating capacity of 309 (plus 7 tip up seats), the 315 is formed of 2 outer DMSO vehicles, containing the motors and drivers cabs, with a PTSO, containing the Pantograph and TSO (trailer) in the centre.   In their heyday, they could be formed up into 12 car formation, but now they are formed into 8 car formation from 2 sets.   Originally 61 sets were built, however now only 6 remain (315837, 315838, 315847, 315853, 315856 and 315857) with the rest having been scrapped.  

With the full opening of the Elizabeth Line having now happened and the 315s not being compatible with the signalling or platform doors, their days are numbered.   At the time of my visit they were combined to a couple of peak time diagrams between Shenfield and Liverpool Street. Since my visit their route has been further cut back to Gidea Park - Liverpool Street with only  2 morning and evening peak diagrams.  

Interestingly, it was announced today (1st December 2022) that 315856 has been purchased for preservation by the Class 315 Preservation Society and will be moving to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in Wales, where it will be restored to original livery, original interior spec and will be converted to be able to carry passengers on preserved lines with the unit being loco hauled.

Trip report

Following an unexpected delay at Stratford as the Central Line 92 stock train I was travelling on was delayed due to a signalling issue around 12.15 ish, I decided to get off and get some fresh air. I'm glad I did, as 315847+315856 passed through the next platform with 5C91 the ECS working from Aldersbrook up CHS to London Liverpool Street, which I luckily managed to get a photo of.

Later in the afternoon, I made my way up to Shenfield onboard an Elizabeth Line class 345 to catch the 15.38 class 315 hauled working to Liverpool Street.   As 315837+315857 arrived into the platform, I was struck by how clean and well cared for that both units were and also the fact they had modern LED head and tail lights as well as the electronic destination screen.   On stepping onboard the rear carriage of 315857 that opinion was confirmed as not only were they spotless inside but they also looked bright and modern, especially with the LED lighting, CCTV, passenger operated doors and Passenger Information System. Despite it retaining the low back seating, that was standard on the class 314, it did not give the impression of being a 42 year old unit with only weeks left before withdrawal and probable scrapping.  

The journey was smooth with both units showing great accelleration and performed well, keeping to time the whole way.  The sounds of the motors brought back memories of many journeys onboard the class 314s.   At Liverpool Street, after a few quick photos, I decided to get back on again for a ride on board back to Stratford.  

The ride back to Stratford was swift, with both sets managing to keep up with an Anglia liveried 745 that left Liverpool Street around the same time as us for most of the journey!   Unfortunately due to time constraints as my train back to Eastleigh was at 6pm and I'd still to find my way back to Waterloo via an extremely packed Central Line train and connection via an equally busy Waterloo and City line, I had to leave the train at Stratford.  

I was extremely impressed by the Class 315s and it will be sad to see them go, especially considering their excellent condition, compared to the Southern Class 313 and Merseyrail 507 & 508s which are clearly being run down with withdrawal and replacement in the next year / 2 years on the cards for them.   Having now travelled on all the PEP fleets, I'd definately say that the class 315 is the best of the lot! 

Fleet list of the remaining units

Number	Livery	Formation	Status	Photo
315837	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64533+71317+71425+64534	In Service	315837+315857 at ShenfieldWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315837+315857 approach Shenfield with 5W95 15.33 Shenfield Stabling Sidings - Shenfield ECS working 12.10.22
315838	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64535+71318+71426+64536	In Service
315847	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64553+71327+71435+64554	In Service	315847+315856 at StratfordWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315847+315856 approach Stratford with 5C91 Aldersbrook Up CHS - London Liverpool Street ECS working 12.10.22
315853	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64565+71333+71441+64566	In Service
315856	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64571+71336+71444+64572	In Service	315847+315856 at StratfordWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315847+315856 approach Stratford with 5C91 Aldersbrook Up CHS - London Liverpool Street ECS working 12.10.22
315857	TfL White with blue solebars and doors	64573+71337+71445+64574	In Service	315837+315857 at London Liverpool StreetWith final withdrawal only weeks away, London Overground liveried 315837+315857 are seen at Liverpool Street having arrived with 2W95 15.38 service from Shenfield 12.10.22