Class 321 storage/scrapping

[Purple Train]

The only complaints I have about the 720s is they aren't low-floor like all new trains should be and the 3+2 configurations. As modern trains go, they're pretty good. But I'd take Stadlers on the Clacton line over Aventras

The Stadlers are excellent units, but I don't think they'd be suited to Clacton runs given they only have one set of middle doors, and at least one of the stations is on quite a sharp curve.

It is a shame to see the 321s go, but I'm not dreadfully keen on the Renatus units. Nevertheless, it is a bit less exciting, from a spotter's perspective, on the GEML now that it's all 720s except the Norwich runs.

 

[andrew749]

Thought I'd also share here, but I've been given permission once more to make some "last day" souvenirs available to enthusiasts travelling, similar to our involvement with 317 farewell. however, Not been allowed to make a headboard or anything else but as the Railtour is happening at end of the month not overly fussed. £5 cash only with all funds raised towards our Heritage EMU projects

View attachment 132152

Alresford is spelt incorrectly on these.

 

[Class360/1]

will it just be 321s running the Walton shuttles tomorrow, or a 321 and a 720?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Alresford is spelt incorrectly on these.

Yup: it's Alresford, not Arlesford

And Thorpe-Le-Soken; Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze should have hyphens but pedantry aside....

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

And Thorpe-Le-Soken; Frinton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze should have hyphens but pedantry aside....

Now that’s a bit far, come on. It’s a nice little souvenir created to commemorate the journey. “Arlesford” is unfortunate but commenting on the lack of hyphens is a bit much.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Apr 2023 ==

It is a shame to see the 321s go, but I'm not dreadfully keen on the Renatus units. Nevertheless, it is a bit less exciting, from a spotter's perspective, on the GEML now that it's all 720s except the Norwich runs.

It is a bit boring, yes, but it offers complete consistency and a standardised service among all routes, which is likely to be so much better for an average customer and naturally for operational purposes also.

 

[Purple Train]

Now that’s a bit far, come on. It’s a nice little souvenir created to commemorate the journey. “Arlesford” is unfortunate but commenting on the lack of hyphens is a bit much.

"Arlesford" I can just about understand, as that's the phonetic pronunciation. But, nevertheless, it would have been better to get all the names right, and that includes hyphens. Basic proof-reading, surely?

 

[HamworthyGoods]

Thought I'd also share here, but I've been given permission once more to make some "last day" souvenirs available to enthusiasts travelling, similar to our involvement with 317 farewell. however, Not been allowed to make a headboard or anything else but as the Railtour is happening at end of the month not overly fussed. £5 cash only with all funds raised towards our Heritage EMU projects

View attachment 132152

Proof Reading seems to have gone amiss with these. The station is Alresford.

 

[lumitumey12345]

Any diagrams for the final day of 321 operation?

 

[CEPG]

As many have pointed out, We are now aware of the spelling mistake. The chap who designed them for us said he ran each place through Google but Alresford was obviously missed. Unfortunately, it was only caught once all had been printed and cut, at which point the ink was spent and the very limited time and resources we had to produce this was gone.

The way we see it, everyone makes mistakes. Simple as that. If it offends that much, don't get one, but as someone mentioned above, this was designed by a volunteer as just a little souvenir to help commemorate the last services. We only knew about the last diagrams when the press release went live and only gained formal approval to produce the labels late Friday evening. At this point, we can only accept the spelling mistake and make sure any future reprints are corrected.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

As many have pointed out, We are now aware of the spelling mistake. The chap who designed them for us said he ran each place through Google but Alresford was obviously missed. Unfortunately, it was only caught once all had been printed and cut, at which point the ink was spent and the very limited time and resources we had to produce this was gone.

The way we see it, everyone makes mistakes. Simple as that. If it offends that much, don't get one, but as someone mentioned above, this was designed by a volunteer as just a little souvenir to help commemorate the last services. We only knew about the last diagrams when the press release went live and only gained formal approval to produce the labels late Friday evening. At this point, we can only accept the spelling mistake and make sure any future reprints are corrected.

They look nice, anyway I'm sure they'll be popular with fans of the class.

 

[43096]

As many have pointed out, We are now aware of the spelling mistake. The chap who designed them for us said he ran each place through Google but Alresford was obviously missed. Unfortunately, it was only caught once all had been printed and cut, at which point the ink was spent and the very limited time and resources we had to produce this was gone.

The way we see it, everyone makes mistakes. Simple as that. If it offends that much, don't get one, but as someone mentioned above, this was designed by a volunteer as just a little souvenir to help commemorate the last services. We only knew about the last diagrams when the press release went live and only gained formal approval to produce the labels late Friday evening. At this point, we can only accept the spelling mistake and make sure any future reprints are corrected.

It wasn’t unknown for BR to misspell destination labels, so in that sense they are true to life. In any case, they’re a really nice design.

 

[Wivenswold]

@CEPG I was in charge of wording a public notice about a music festival here in Wivenhoe. I got it prepared and shown to a committee of people, checked it again, got it printed and only noticed a spelling mistake and a jarring grammar error when I was pinning it up at the station. So it's very easily done and my response when pedants pointed it out was to ask whether they want to be our publicity manager for the next event.

Back to topic and the Class 320, 321 & 322 Appreciation And Society Group Facebook page confirms that 311 and 314 are the units out, so it appears to be 2 from 4 diagrams.

And I'll reiterate what the CEPG group have said. "For all that are attending, Have a good day and please don't vandalise the units."

 

[The_Train]

@CEPGAnd I'll reiterate what the CEPG group have said. "For all that are attending, Have a good day and please don't vandalise the units."

For this side of things, they really couldn't have picked a worse time to have the "final" runs on these units with it being the start of the school holidays. Whilst not all youngsters behave in such a way, and equally all adults wouldn't be ruled out of behaving in such a way, I think the tok-tik generation are more likely to cause damage in the hope of creating "content" to earn them views and likes!

Hopefully everyone is respectful but I won't lie, I'm glad I'm working today so I didn't have that urge to head down and travel on them and find myself being a typical grumpy old man

 

[warwickshire]

321326 was on the am peak only 2N27 0753 Walton on the Naze shuttle to Colchester.
Whilst 321311 321314 was on the other shuttles all day on Walton on the naze to Colchester. Making these to record for history purposes the final 321s. To work on this branch and ever in booked service. For Anglia regional services.
With 321311 on 2F04 2156 Colchester to Walton on the Naze.
321314 2F08 2256 Colchester to Walton on the naze bar any adhoc substitutes.
321311 also had the claim to fame on Friday the 16th March 2023 by Working the 0741 1K31 Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street.
Whilst on the Thursday the 08th March 2023 321311 also worked a one way 2J10 0816 Wickford to Southminster and 2J11 Southminster to Shenfield. So 321311 certainly has the claim to fame by Working both Southminster Southend and Walton-on-the-Naze services on the final days of operation on those routes so far. Again Walton-on-the-Naze pending any adhoc substitutes.

 

[Wivenswold]

Nice summary there @warwickshire thanks for that.

Do we think these three are earmarked for the tour. Do Clacton have time to paint one in NSE colours? I would offer to help but I'm rubbish at painting.

 

[warwickshire]

Nice summary there @warwickshire thanks for that.

Do we think these three are earmarked for the tour. Do Clacton have time to paint one in NSE colours? I would offer to help but I'm rubbish at painting.

I think so. However another 321 is also being kept for adhoc use as well. Could be 321308.
As 321308 is the picture of the rear one on the top page of the advert for the tour. However that is only in my own opinion disclaimer.
Yes I hope they do to. Nse livery would be great complete with Anglia Electrics on the side.
However wouldn't be great in the last week or so if a 321 couldn't work adhoc on the Waltons as a substitute. Wouldn't cause any harm or cause a issue would it? After all get something out of the lease costs pointless having a unit doing nothing. Keep it in use before tour. Meanwhile Last Monday the 27th March 2023 the dft was Filming on the brach line during my penultimate final visit.
I believe the 321 on the Walton-on-the-Naze line was originally planned to phase out 14th April to 28th April. Did maybe the dft the way they are tell Abeillo anglia to withdraw around a Month earlier on this line?
However another waste of money gone down the drain. These units still have some life left in them.

 

[Train Maniac]

Nice summary there @warwickshire thanks for that.

Do we think these three are earmarked for the tour. Do Clacton have time to paint one in NSE colours? I would offer to help but I'm rubbish at painting.

Surely it would be a vinyl of some description? Fairly certain that's what happened to the GN 313 at least?

 

[Islineclear3_1]

Nice idea but a Renatus unit just wouldn't look the part in NSE colours IMHO

 

[warwickshire]

Update Tuesday 04th April 2023.
5V53 1457 Colchester csd to Ilford emud was 321328 with 321314.
So a change maybe to the final 4 321s at Clacton.
My opinion it could well be 321312 321308 321326 321311. However any further information would be good.
In the shed from the Facebook website is 321319 321302 321310.
Possible next ones for Wembley?.
However 321314 321328 are now at Ilford.

 

[3973EXL]

Realtime Trains | 0L52 1045 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Clacton C.S.D. | 05/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 0L52 1045 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Clacton C.S.D. on 05/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

0L52 37800

Realtime Trains | 5Q35 0939 Clacton C.S.D. to Walton Old Jn.M.S.C.Sdgs | 06/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 5Q35 0939 departure from Clacton C.S.D. to Walton Old Jn.M.S.C.Sdgs on 06/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q35 37800 321302/310 consist entered pre dep. Departed 70 late with 302 only.

 

[JonathanH]

No end of surprises about obscure siding space for redundant units. I guess it is useful money for someone.

 

[Jim-s]

I decided to take a trip out on the last ones Monday
Quite a good turnout of people to see them off of all ages too
Thanks to Cepg for producing the souvenirs, the little one was well pleased to get her stickers for the window after searching 311 end to end to find where to get them

I had been hesitant of going for the day with a young child after reports from other last days but every one was in good spirits and it seemed a good day was had by all possibly including all railway staff I spoke with
Even managed a last quick nap in the power car to Colchester

 

[Wivenswold]

Saw a 321 stood at a signal London side of Gidea Park on the Dn Electric lines this morning. Not in service obviously but I wonder if it's going back to Clacton for some reason or taking a run out to keep it "warm".

 

[warwickshire]

Saw a 321 stood at a signal London side of Gidea Park on the Dn Electric lines this morning. Not in service obviously but I wonder if it's going back to Clacton for some reason or taking a run out to keep it "warm".

1100 5N94 Ilford emud to Clacton C.S.D was 321309 with 321307. Possible warm run.
Ilford repairs. Or to Clacton signed of at Ilford okay for decommissioning at Clacton.
However though as reported on The Facebook 321 pages about 4 x 321 being kept at Clacton.
Still leaving a bit of a mystery of which 4 x321 are actually being kept for adhoc use and if they actually will be? Or how many actually are being kept?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2023 ==

GOOD AFTERNOON. Friday 14th March 2023.
1. 1100 5N94 Ilford E.M.U.D TO Clacton C.S.D is 321320 321328.
2. 1332 5F53 Clacton csd to Colchester csd. 321307 321312
3. 1421 5V53 Colchester to Clacton csd .
321307 321312.
Hence 321307 321312 Ilford
Hence 321320 321328 Clacton.
However anyone kindly know which 321 at Clacton are due to go Next???.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Apr 2023 ==

Nb 3 . 1421 5V53 Colchester to Ilford emud . Typo error with 321307 321312. Now Ilford

 

[class321]

The 720s' seating layout is a downgrade to the 321's....

The 755's are a downgrade to the 90's + Mk3 sets

Even the 360's (in their earlier years) were good trains

I'm glad I don't commute on GA any more....

I just started using GA properly to link my boys down in Stratty since I moved to Chelmsford, shame I can't use a 321 on that route.

 

[JonathanH]

I just started using GA properly to link my boys down in Stratty since I moved to Chelmsford, shame I can't use a 321 on that route.

You can't use a class 321 on any route any more.

 

[class321]

You can't use a class 321 on any route any more.

Yeah I know that, back in the day I used to use it from Stratty to Liv street, wish I moved out to Chelmsford 4 years ago so I could do Chelmsford to Stratty on a NON-PRM 321

 

[3973EXL]

Realtime Trains | 0E26 0710 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Worksop Up Receptions | 17/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 0E26 0710 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Worksop Up Receptions on 17/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

5Q99 37800 321434

Realtime Trains | 5Q99 0950 Worksop Up Receptions to Yarmouth C.H.S. | 17/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 5Q99 0950 departure from Worksop Up Receptions to Yarmouth C.H.S. on 17/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 0G48 1836 Yarmouth C.H.S. to Norwich Jubilee Sidings | 17/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 0G48 1836 departure from Yarmouth C.H.S. to Norwich Jubilee Sidings on 17/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Wolfie]

There was a 321 (or perhaps a 322) at Willesden yesterday.

 

[Class15]

Realtime Trains | 0E26 0710 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Worksop Up Receptions | 17/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 0E26 0710 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Worksop Up Receptions on 17/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Q99 0950 Worksop Up Receptions to Yarmouth C.H.S. | 17/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 5Q99 0950 departure from Worksop Up Receptions to Yarmouth C.H.S. on 17/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 0G48 1836 Yarmouth C.H.S. to Norwich Jubilee Sidings | 17/04/2023

Real-time train running information for 0G48 1836 departure from Yarmouth C.H.S. to Norwich Jubilee Sidings on 17/04/2023. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Why Great Yarmouth?

There was a 321 (or perhaps a 322) at Willesden yesterday.

There are lots at Wembley, if that’s what you mean.