Thameslink 'Cityflier' sets 319 443 and 319 449 at Selhurst Depot
The first Thameslink franchise operated by Go-Via Group had 40 of the original 60 class 319/0 sets. These units were rebuilt at Wolverton Works between 1997-98 where first class accommodation was incorporated. The units were dedicated as "Cityflier' sets for use on the Bedford to Brighton route serving Luton and Gatwick Airports and the City on London hence the choice of name. Ironically the later built class 319/1 sets operated by Thameslink which were built with first class accommodation were overhauled at Wessex Traincare, Eastleigh Works and lost their first class becoming 'City-Metro' sets dedicated to the Luton-Sutton-Luton suburban service. The paper dart logo on the unit end (set 319 443 on the right) denoted the end the first class accommodation was located.
The different paint scheme on the pair seen here in Selhurst cleaning shed belies the fact unit 319 449 on the left had been involved in the Spa Road Junction collision on 08/01/99. It spent over a year out of service stored at Selhurst Depot where it was eventually rebuilt and returned to service in late May 2000. The observant will notice the Bletchley destination which was an aspiration of the the Network SouthEast empire of British Rail and never came to fruition as the line still isn't electrified. Another destination on the 319 blinds which was never reached was Corby.
For the record 319 449 is stabled in Selhurst Cleaning Shed waiting for the evening peak while on the right stands set 319 443 waiting to form 5O91 the 14.10 ECS to London Blackfriars.
Thameslink 'Cityflier' sets 319 443 and 319 449 at Selhurst Depot
The first Thameslink franchise operated by Go-Via Group had 40 of the original 60 class 319/0 sets. These units were rebuilt at Wolverton Works between 1997-98 where first class accommodation was incorporated. The units were dedicated as "Cityflier' sets for use on the Bedford to Brighton route serving Luton and Gatwick Airports and the City on London hence the choice of name. Ironically the later built class 319/1 sets operated by Thameslink which were built with first class accommodation were overhauled at Wessex Traincare, Eastleigh Works and lost their first class becoming 'City-Metro' sets dedicated to the Luton-Sutton-Luton suburban service. The paper dart logo on the unit end (set 319 443 on the right) denoted the end the first class accommodation was located.
The different paint scheme on the pair seen here in Selhurst cleaning shed belies the fact unit 319 449 on the left had been involved in the Spa Road Junction collision on 08/01/99. It spent over a year out of service stored at Selhurst Depot where it was eventually rebuilt and returned to service in late May 2000. The observant will notice the Bletchley destination which was an aspiration of the the Network SouthEast empire of British Rail and never came to fruition as the line still isn't electrified. Another destination on the 319 blinds which was never reached was Corby.
For the record 319 449 is stabled in Selhurst Cleaning Shed waiting for the evening peak while on the right stands set 319 443 waiting to form 5O91 the 14.10 ECS to London Blackfriars.