STOCK FOCUS ~ Class 325 (Royal Mail)


In Derby in 1995, a fleet of 16 Class 325 (4-car) units were built in order to meet the needs of the Parcels Industry. These units (325001-016) were to be a more cost-effective method, rather than locomotive hauled stock which was used previously.

Thanks Anthony W for photo permission. Here, Royal Mail Class 325 325013 leads her sisters 001 and 003 on  Diverted 1M44 Willesden to Shieldmuir. 

However, in 2012, 325010 was damaged and stored. As a result, it has been used as a source of spares and has since been scrapped. This leaves 15 units, 325001-325009 and 325011-325016. 325002 is named Royal Mail North Wales and North West; 325006 is named (to commemorate documentary maker) John Grierson and 325008 named Peter Howarth CBE (former MD of Royal Mail).
Not my video. Belongs to the person who's channel is connected.

FEATURES:

  • Each set is made up of four carriages, with roller doors instead of sliding ones (4 per carriage, 2 on each side) and have no windows.
  • The pantograph is able to pick up power from the 25kV AC overhead lines, and also a shoe to pick up power off the 750 volt DC third rail. 
  • As you can see, they have the same saloon style as Class 466 networkers in the Southern region. However, they are fitted with "large round 'oleo' buffers instead, and have no gangways between carriages." Wikipedia. 
  • Although they cannot be coupled with any other multiple unit on the Network, a variety of locomotives can be connected. 

SERVICE:


Based at Crewe, the units are used daily and are often seen on the Willesdon to Sheildmuir (from 2004), Willesdon to Newcastle (from 2012) and London to Glasgow/Edinburgh corridor (up to seven train services per day).

Wikipedia: 'When GB Railfreight gained a new contract for mail transport over Christmas 2004, the Class 325s returned to limited work operating in multiple. Work with locomotive haulage also occurred again, powered by GBRf Class 87s. After a traction reshuffle the Class 325s resumed service with their power cars and without locomotive haulage.'

However, the contract between GBRf and Royal Mail was withdrawn in 2010, DB Schenker have since operated and maintained the fleet. 






Thank You. Harry 
Regards:

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