British Rail Class 387 Electrostar Fleet
UK (various operators including Thameslink, Gatwick Express, Great Western Railway, Great Northern, Heathrow Express, c2c) · 2014–2017 (built), 2014 (first service) · Not a single consolidated cost available. Initial orders include 29 four-carriage units for Southern (2013), 80 carriages for Porterbrook (2015), and 27 four-carriage units for Govia (Gatwick Express, 2014).
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe Class 387 fleet served as a crucial interim solution for Thameslink services due to delays in the Class 700 introduction, demonstrating the importance of flexible fleet deployment in large-scale rail modernization programs. - Industrial relations challenges arose with the introduction of 12-coach Class 387 trains on Gatwick Express, particularly concerning driver-only operation agreements, highlighting the need for early stakeholder engagement in operational changes. - The model of speculative orders by rolling stock operating companies (ROSCOs) like Porterbrook, followed by leasing to various operators, proved effective in meeting diverse fleet needs and optimizing asset utilization. - The frequent transfer and re-livery of units between different operators (e.g., c2c to GWR, Gatwick Express to Great Northern) illustrates the dynamic nature of UK rail fleet management and the adaptability of the Electrostar platform.
Key engineering challenges
Designing for dual-voltage capability (750 V DC third rail and 25 kV AC OLE) to operate across diverse electrified networks. - Integration of ETCS signalling system for specific routes, such as the Heathrow Airport railway tunnels, requiring specialized fitment and authorization. - Adapting the standard Electrostar design to meet specific operational requirements and branding for multiple train operating companies. - Ensuring compatibility and smooth integration with existing rail infrastructure and operational procedures across various franchises.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Department for Transport (DfT); Porterbrook (ROSCO); Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR); Great Western Railway (GWR); Heathrow Airport Holdings; c2c
- Lead contractor
- Bombardier Transportation
- Lead designers
- Bombardier Transportation
- Project type
- vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 107 units built (4-car units); Max speed: 110 mph (177 km/h); Power output: 1.68 MW (2,250 hp)
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software
- Standards & frameworks
- ETCS (European Train Control System)
Sources: British Rail Class 387 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_387) - Porterbrook: Porterbrook Announces The Purchase Of Additional Class… (https://www.porterbrook.co.uk/news/porterbrook-announces-the-purchase-of-additional-class-387s)