The Expressions of Interest for Crossrail Rolling Stock closed at the beginning of this month, and it is likely that negotiations will mean that it will be 2013 before we officially see the contract awarded.
One thing has, however, happened already – Crossrail have registered the new Rolling Stock’s class name with the National Rolling Stock Library (RSL).
The the new rolling stock will be designated as Class 345.
The use of the “3” designation suggests that Crossrail definitely wish their stock to be primarly regarded as OHLE, rather than third rail (although the Tender stipulated that the units must at least be convertable to third rail if required).
British Rail Class 341 (pictured below) was, of course, that originally expected to serve Crossrail when the project was first floated. It was never built (although a mockup was). Luckily it appears unlikely that Class 345 will share the same fate.
Comments are closed.