The model shares the same bodyshell and core structure as the Bombardier Turbostar which is the most common post-privatisation diesel multiple unit (DMU) family; both evolved from the Class 168 Clubman design by ADtranz. The Turbostar and Electrostar platforms are a modular design, sharing the same basic bodyshell and core structure, and optimised for speedy manufacture and easy maintenance. A common underframe, created by seam-welding a number of aluminium alloy extrusions, is covered by body panels and topped by a single piece roof, again made from extruded sections. Car ends (cabs) are made from glass-reinforced plastic and steel, and are bolted onto the main car bodies. Underframe components are collected in "rafts" which are bolted into slots on the underframe. The predominantly aluminium-alloy body gives light weight to help acceleration and energy efficiency.[citation needed]
In 2009, as part of the government's wider rolling stock plan, an order was placed for thirty four-car Class 379 Electrostar units intended for use by National Express East Anglia (now operated by Greater Anglia) on the Stansted Express and West Anglia services.[6] The first of these units entered passenger service on Thursday 3 March 2011.
Class 375 and 377 differ only in their coupler configuration and other minor fittings; all Southern units built as Class 375 have since been converted to Class 377 couplers and re-classed. Minor differences in interior trim remain.[citation needed]
The Class 378s were constructed in three separate batches - 24 three car units designated as Class 378/0 with dual voltage capability were built for use on the North London Line and West London Line.[citation needed] 20 four car DC-only units designated Class 378/1 were built for the East London Line.[citation needed] 13 four car Class 378/2s were also built, and the Class 378/0s had an extra car added to make them Class 378/2s. All later extended to 5 cars.[citation needed]
The Class 379s incorporate some technical features of the proposed Aventra Mark II Electrostar.[8] However they are outwardly similar to Class 375 and Class 377.[citation needed]
On the outer suburban portions of these above routes, the Class 377/5 Electrostars and the Class 465/9 Networkers support the Class 375 Electrostars, but they do not work in multiple together.
Southern's Class 377 fleet is found on all parts of the network apart from the non-electrified routes. They frequent metro routes, formerly alongside the Class 455s, until the latter's withdrawal in 2022, and Class 456s until they transferred to South West Trains in 2014.
On 8 June 2010, the route between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa opened in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.[11] The rest between Johannesburg Park Station and Rosebank was to be completed in 2011. This section was actually opened 7 June 2012,[12] the delay caused by work to resolve a water-seepage problem in the single-track tunnel section between Rosebank and Park.[13] Although railways in South Africa use the 1,067 mm (3 ft 6 in) Cape gauge, Gautrain is built to the more expensive standard gauge of 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in). According to the Gautrain planning and implementation study,[14] this is done for several reasons, including that standard gauge is safer and more comfortable to passengers. The rolling stock is also easier, quicker and less expensive to obtain than Cape Gauge rolling stock, and standard gauge is also less expensive to maintain as it is more tolerant of track imperfections than Cape Gauge. Standard gauge allows for travel at Gautrain's required speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).[citation needed]
GWR announced in 2018 that they will modify 12 units to be used on Heathrow Express[15] due to the Class 332s depot closing.
Great Northern
From late 2016, 29 of the Class 387/1s operating on Thameslink were displaced by the delivery of Class 700Desiro City units, and were transferred to Great Northern.[16] They operate mostly on the King's Cross-Cambridge-King's Lynn route, though they can also been seen on other services. These units were delivered in the livery of Southern, with green doors and Southern upholstery.
^"Bombardier Selected Preferred Bidder for Rapid Rail System in South Africa". Bombardier. 2 July 2005. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2012. Bombardier Transportation's facility in Derby, United Kingdom, will be responsible for manufacturing the fleet of Electrostar vehicles, with final assembly performed in South Africa by UCW Partnership, a broad-based empowered subsidiary of Murray & Roberts.
^"TfL awards £223m new trains contract". Transport For London. 31 August 2006. Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2012. Funded by TfL's £10 billion Investment Programme, the new trains will operate on the North London Railway, which TfL will manage from November next year, and the extended East London Line.
^"Last-ever Electrostar finished in Derby as 18 years of production come to an end". Rail Technology Magazine. 28 November 2017. The final carriage marks the 2,805th to be constructed at Bombardier's Derby Litchurch Lane facility, with engineers, company bosses and local MP Margaret Beckett attending a sending-off ceremony to celebrate to the occasion.
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