Thameslink Rolling Stock Project (Class 700 Desiro City)
UK (London, Bedford, Brighton, Peterborough, Cambridge, Hornsey, Three Bridges) · 2014–2018 (construction), 2016–2019 (entry into service) · £1.6 billion (2013 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe decision to build trains in Germany by Siemens sparked political controversy in the UK, highlighting challenges in balancing cost-effectiveness with domestic industry support. - Significant delays in the procurement process led to the temporary use of Class 387 EMUs on the Thameslink route, demonstrating the impact of protracted contract negotiations on project timelines. - The development of the lightweight SF7000 bogie showcased a successful engineering solution to reduce energy consumption and track access charges. - Extensive testing in climate chambers and on test tracks prior to service introduction proved crucial for ensuring the fleet's resilience and reliability in diverse operating conditions.
Key engineering challenges
Designing for dual-voltage operation (25 kV AC and 750 V DC) across the Thameslink network. - Meeting high-frequency, high-capacity demands with a new train design for central London routes. - Achieving significant weight reduction for energy efficiency and reduced track wear through innovative bogie design (SF7000). - Ensuring reliability and performance in extreme weather conditions, tested from +40°C to -25°C. - Integration of advanced systems such as Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and ERTMS Level 2 for enhanced operational efficiency and safety.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Department for Transport (DfT); Cross London Trains (XLT) consortium (Siemens Project Ventures, 3i Infrastructure, Innisfree); Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)
- Lead contractor
- Siemens Mobility (manufacturer); Cross London Trains (procurement and financing)
- Lead designers
- Siemens Mobility
- Project type
- vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 115 trainsets (60 x 8-car, 55 x 12-car); 1,140 carriages; 8-car unit length: 162.0 m; 12-car unit length: 242.6 m; Max speed: 100 mph (160 km/h); Capacity: 1,146 passengers (8-car), 1,754 passengers (12-car)
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software; Civil (for depots)
- Standards & frameworks
- RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board); Network Rail standards; ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System)
Sources: Wikipedia: British Rail Class 700 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_700) - Siemens UK: Desiro City manufacture 'on track' (https://news.siemens.co.uk/news/desiro-city-manufacture-on-track-with-passenger-service-drawing-close-for-new-thameslink-trains)