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The Class 323 Farewell - Sunday 29th September 2024

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Branch Line S

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West Midlands Railway (WMR) and the Branch Line Society are delighted to announce 'The Class 323 Farewell'. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a special day trip aboard a pair of Class 323s, which have been in operation on the Cross City Line through Birmingham since 1994, connecting the city with Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Redditch and Bromsgrove. The farewell trip will see a pair of Class 323s operate a round trip between Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street, and features the recently realigned Monument Lane loop.

More than three quarters of the twenty-six trains in the West Midlands fleet have already been cascaded, with the final few Class 323s still in operation are due to leave service by the end of this month. During their lifespan, the Class 323s have cumulatively provided hundreds of millions of passenger journeys and travelled millions of miles across the West Midlands rail network. The trains are known for the distinctive whining noise they make when accelerating!

Proceeds from ticket sales will support two important charities: Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Brain Tumour Research. Onboard, there will be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs for your special trip including window decals, and a charity raffle will give you the chance to win some fantastic prizes and further support the charities!

An extended leg stretch, lunch break and photo opportunity will be provided at Liverpool Lime Street.

Not surprisingly, celebrity 'Centro' livery 323 221 is expected to feature, subject to availability.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.

Birmingham New Street P10 (PU 08.22) - Barnt Green (PU 08.39) - Bromsgrove P1 (PU 08.49 / RM) - Birmingham New Street P5 (PU 09.10) - Perry Bar West Jn - Soho North Jn - Wolverhampton - Stafford P5 (PU 10.02) - Searchlight Lane Jn - Crewe Down Fast - Runcorn - Liverpool Lime Street P2 (SD 10.57)

Liverpool Lime Street P2 (PU 13.04)
- Runcorn - Crewe - Stoke-on-Trent - Stone - Norton Bridge East Chord - Stafford - Rugeley Trent Valley - Hednesford - Walsall P2 (photo stop) - Perry Bar North Jn - Soho South Jn - Monument Lane Loop - Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International P2 - Coventry P4 (RM) - Birmingham International P3 - Birmingham New Street P3 (SD 17.39)

FARES:
Standard Class £64.60

All fares are per person. No part fares or pay on the days are available for this charter.

There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.

Accompanied under 18s £32.30 each.
Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

Please book via the Fixtures page on the BLS Website: https://branchline.uk
 
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matt

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Any other forum members travelling on this? I am not normally into EMU tours but these have been part of the Midlands scene to many years so a good chance for a local last ride.
 

childwallblues

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Going into Platform 2 at Liverpool Lime Street there is a good chyance that the WMR 323s will meet one of their Northern sisters or even one of the few ex WMR 323s that have made it into service.
 

ces

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Cheshire
Going into Platform 2 at Liverpool Lime Street there is a good chyance that the WMR 323s will meet one of their Northern sisters or even one of the few ex WMR 323s that have made it into service.
That would be very cool, getting a picture with the WMR 323 next to the Northern one. A sight to behold! Let's hope it actually happens.
 

MrJeeves

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Any other forum members travelling on this? I am not normally into EMU tours but these have been part of the Midlands scene to many years so a good chance for a local last ride.
I'll be on it with one of my friends :)
 

Bald Rick

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28 Sep 2010
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35,941
Curious to know why the fare is very precisely priced. Is there some significance for the number?

Given the niche market this is serving, and that proceeds are going to charity, I would have thought rounding it up to, say, £70 wouldhave been appropriate, and unlikley to put anyone off.
 

Peterthegreat

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South Yorkshire
Curious to know why the fare is very precisely priced. Is there some significance for the number?

Given the niche market this is serving, and that proceeds are going to charity, I would have thought rounding it up to, say, £70 wouldhave been appropriate, and unlikley to put anyone off.
It's based on the class number. 2x323 =£64.60
 

Efini92

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14 Dec 2016
Messages
2,137
Curious to know why the fare is very precisely priced. Is there some significance for the number?

Given the niche market this is serving, and that proceeds are going to charity, I would have thought rounding it up to, say, £70 wouldhave been appropriate, and unlikley to put anyone off.
Perhaps they’ll use dynamic pricing :D
 

GatwickDepress

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14 Jan 2013
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2,588
Location
Leeds
Tempted by this, but getting to Birmingham on a Sunday is a pain. Anyone know if the 0230 NX coach from Leeds to Brum is reliable?
 

Northerngirl

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515
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Wirral
I'd love to go but im busy that afternoon, hopefully a chance to get some pics atleast as it comes in to Liverpool. Will they be running from Allerton to Crewe for maintenence or is this the last ever chance to spot one on the wcml
 
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Any other forum members travelling on this? I am not normally into EMU tours but these have been part of the Midlands scene to many years so a good chance for a local last ride.
I’m going! I’ve only ever been on one once so it’ll be nice to have one more ride
 

12LDA28C

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14 Oct 2022
Messages
5,058
I’m going! I’ve only ever been on one once so it’ll be nice to have one more ride

This is not a dig, but I'm genuinely curious - what's the attraction of paying for a railtour using a class of EMU which doesn't seem to hold any special significance or memory for you? I can understand people in the West Midlands maybe feeling nostalgic for units that formed part of their daily life and were a big part of the rail scene in the area for many years, but if you've only been on a 323 once before - why bother?

It always amazed me for example, that Chiltern used to run their 'bubble car' day-in, day-out for years and nobody ever bothered with it until it was announced the 121s were being withdrawn and suddenly the whole world turned up for the last day. Why? Is it just so people can say 'I was there on the last day / tour' or whatever? I just don't get it.
 

Class15

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North London or Mildmay line
This is not a dig, but I'm genuinely curious - what's the attraction of paying for a railtour using a class of EMU which doesn't seem to hold any special significance or memory for you? I can understand people in the West Midlands maybe feeling nostalgic for units that formed part of their daily life and were a big part of the rail scene in the area for many years, but if you've only been on a 323 once before - why bother?

It always amazed me for example, that Chiltern used to run their 'bubble car' day-in, day-out for years and nobody ever bothered with it until it was announced the 121s were being withdrawn and suddenly the whole world turned up for the last day. Why? Is it just so people can say 'I was there on the last day / tour' or whatever? I just don't get it.
I’ve taken 323s in WM 4 times. I used the 321s once before their farewell which I was on. The 321s it was largely as I had seen them many, many times before withdrawal even if I didn’t travel on them. The 323s I just like, and also it’s my birthday weekend.
 

OliverH68

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Joined
31 Oct 2019
Messages
323
Location
Northampton, UK
It always amazed me for example, that Chiltern used to run their 'bubble car' day-in, day-out for years and nobody ever bothered with it until it was announced the 121s were being withdrawn and suddenly the whole world turned up for the last day. Why? Is it just so people can say 'I was there on the last day / tour' or whatever? I just don't get it.
Literally this! It happens with all stock types regardless. Same happened with the SN 313 & 455s and no doubt the SWR 455s will be just the same & the 465s when they do go.
 

swt_passenger

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7 Apr 2010
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34,308
I went on the “last ever” 442 operated service in about 2007. That didn’t age well at all…
 
Joined
9 Dec 2023
Messages
589
Location
High Wycombe
This is not a dig, but I'm genuinely curious - what's the attraction of paying for a railtour using a class of EMU which doesn't seem to hold any special significance or memory for you? I can understand people in the West Midlands maybe feeling nostalgic for units that formed part of their daily life and were a big part of the rail scene in the area for many years, but if you've only been on a 323 once before - why bother?

It always amazed me for example, that Chiltern used to run their 'bubble car' day-in, day-out for years and nobody ever bothered with it until it was announced the 121s were being withdrawn and suddenly the whole world turned up for the last day. Why? Is it just so people can say 'I was there on the last day / tour' or whatever? I just don't get it.
It was now or never really for me
 

Sprinter107

Member
Joined
26 Mar 2019
Messages
1,098
The class 323s have served the West Midlands well across the last 30 years. I think its wonderful that that is being recognised with a railtour taking in their previous and present routes. I'm sure everyone will have a great day.
 

Branch Line S

Verified Rep
Joined
10 Sep 2024
Messages
40
Location
Derby
West Midlands Railway (WMR) and the Branch Line Society are delighted to announce 'The Class 323 Farewell'. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a special day trip aboard a pair of Class 323s, which have been in operation on the Cross City Line through Birmingham since 1994, connecting the city with Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Redditch and Bromsgrove. The farewell trip will see a pair of Class 323s operate a round trip between Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street, and features the recently realigned Monument Lane loop.

More than three quarters of the twenty-six trains in the West Midlands fleet have already been cascaded, with the final few Class 323s still in operation are due to leave service by the end of this month. During their lifespan, the Class 323s have cumulatively provided hundreds of millions of passenger journeys and travelled millions of miles across the West Midlands rail network. The trains are known for the distinctive whining noise they make when accelerating!

Proceeds from ticket sales will support two important charities: Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Brain Tumour Research. Onboard, there will be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs for your special trip including window decals, and a charity raffle will give you the chance to win some fantastic prizes and further support the charities!

An extended leg stretch, lunch break and photo opportunity will be provided at Liverpool Lime Street.

Not surprisingly, celebrity 'Centro' livery 323 221 is expected to feature, subject to availability.

All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.

Birmingham New Street P10 (PU 08.22) - Barnt Green P2 (PU 08.39) - Bromsgrove P1 (PU 08.49 / RM) - Birmingham New Street P5 (PU 09.16) - Perry Bar West Jn - Soho North Jn - Wolverhampton - Stafford P5 (PU 10.03) - Searchlight Lane Jn - Crewe Down Fast - Runcorn - Liverpool Lime Street P2 (SD 10.58)

Liverpool Lime Street P2 (PU 13.04)
- Runcorn - Crewe - Stoke-on-Trent - Stone - Norton Bridge East Chord - Stafford - Rugeley Trent Valley - Hednesford - Walsall P2 (photo stop) - Perry Bar North Jn - Soho South Jn - Monument Lane Loop - Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International P2 - Coventry P4 (RM) - Birmingham International P3 - Birmingham New Street P3 (SD 17.42)

FARES:
Standard Class £64.60

All fares are per person. No part fares or pay on the days are available for this charter.

There is no surcharge for not being a Branch Line Society member on this fixture.

Accompanied under 18s £32.30 each.
Please note that we are unable to accept bookings from under 18s unless accompanied by an adult.

Children under five years of age may accompany fare-paying adult passengers free of charge. However, children under five years of age who are travelling free may only occupy a seat which is not required by a fare-paying passenger.

Please book via the Fixtures page on the BLS Website: https://branchline.uk
Plans now finalised for Sunday with updated RTT links with a few tweaks included to follow before Sunday. Slightly updated spec timings in the post above (quoted)
 

MrJeeves

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Burgess Hill
Plans now finalised for Sunday with updated RTT links with a few tweaks included to follow before Sunday. Slightly updated spec timings in the post above (quoted)
I can't see the RTT links you mentioned but I grabbed them myself :)


Pathed as Class 350 EMU at 110mph from here
Hopefully the ride won't be too bumpy!
 

RealTrains07

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Joined
28 Feb 2019
Messages
1,905
Will struggle to make this as trains to birmingham from stations, north of Wolverhampton dont start up till after 09:00 on sundays
 
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