Operations
The first Class 350s entered service in July 2005 with Central Trains; these operated on services between Birmingham and Northampton via Coventry, and all Birmingham - Liverpool services, replacing Class 170 units. Most recently Desiros have taken over some peak services between Birmingham and Walsall.
At the same time, Silverlink began operating Class 350s. between London Euston - Milton Keynes Central and Northampton. The Class 350/1 were originally painted in an overall grey livery with blue doors and blue window surrounds with a mandatory yellow front-end warning panel required by safety rules. The original dual-use of the units on Silverlink and Central Trains services mandated a non-operator specific livery.
The Central Trains and Silverlink franchises expired in 2007. At this point, the fleet transferred to the new West Midlands franchise holder, London Midland. As part of the new franchise agreement, London Midland embarked on the acquisition of a significant number of new trains, the largest order of which was for 37 additional Class 350s. Unlike the Class 350/1s, the new 350/2s would not be dual voltage. The first 10 entered service in December 2008. In addition to the existing operations, these units took over the new Crewe - London Euston service running via Stoke-on-Trent and stopping at most of the Trent Valley Line stations.
The trains are managed at a new purpose built depot at Northampton, which opened in June 2006, and can also service Class 321 and other Desiro units if required. It is located at Kings Heath, near Kingsthorpe. The depot is equipped to maintain the entire Class 350 Desiro fleet and is managed by Siemens. The TPE units will be based at TPE's existing Ardwick depot with the Government providing subsidy support for electrification.
Read more about this topic: British Rail Class 350
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