I've done a bit of research on this.Monday 11th July 1983 was the date of full introduction of the Moorgate/St.Pancras to Bedford full electric service. The 317s had entered service in April 1983 working to the existing diesel timing.
Last four leaving this weekSTP 26/07 5G46 1410 Cambridge TRSMD - Ely
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K04204/2022-07-26/detailed
STP 28/07 5G46 1410 Cambridge TRSMD - Ely
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K04204/2022-07-28/detailed
They were actually ex works from York during 1982 or maybe even 1981 so as to when first one moved under their own power im not sure but its possible some of them nearly made 40 years from first run.I've done a bit of research on this.
The regular use of class 317s on DMU timings started on 14 April 1983, but there were some workings before that.
The earliest I can find is a special to St Pancras on 28 March 1983 with Sir Peter Parker in attendance. There is a picture of the train on the stops at St Pancras (I think platform 6) in Railway Magazine June 1983, with 317321 in the lead. Railway Observer May 1983 says that 317321 and another worked 0737 from Bedford on this date but it is not clear if that was the special train.
Railway Observer June 1983 has a picture, also in platform 6 at St Pancras, of 317304 at the country end. The caption says that the train was an 0935 relief from Bedford on 29 March 1983, 317321 was the other unit, and that it was the second day of public service.
So it looks like 317321 and 317304 were the first units in traffic, and that they first worked on 28 March 1983.
First class 317 deliveries to Cricklewood were in October 1981. But I'm not aware of any evidence that they moved under their own power. When were the energisation dates for the BedPan electrification?They were actually ex works from York during 1982 or maybe even 1981 so as to when first one moved under their own power im not sure but its possible some of them nearly made 40 years from first run.
Yeah 343, 508, 337 & 338. Last four will be gone this weekJust wanted to confirm that this would include 343 and 508?
Agree. The only issue was following on from the recent incident. Abeillo Anglia couldn't wait quickly enough to get rid of them. Very sad. Probably didn't want a army of enthusiasts causing issues.Should of kept them a while longer. Until the Hertford line platforms were extended.
Quite a few at Ely today. I went there earlier. I could see about 10 units. I reckon early August they will go. Perhaps they are waiting for Sims to finish the GTR 455 scrapping then the 317s will follow.Agree. The only issue was following on from the recent incident. Abeillo Anglia couldn't wait quickly enough to get rid of them. Very sad. Probably didn't want a army of enthusiasts causing issues.
Like the Hsts, especially the incidents on the R,ecent Saturday Skegness incident, last years on The St Pancras and this year's 317, why do a few spoil it for others. However should have been kept. Farewell trip arranged later. With Security or some staff presence on to prevent what has gone on from taking place on the final day.
However before the scrap moves begin.
Wonder how long they will be at Ely.
0E47 0856 Derby - Cambridge 37884STP 26/07 5G46 1410 Cambridge TRSMD - Ely
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K04204/2022-07-26/detailed
STP 28/07 5G46 1410 Cambridge TRSMD - Ely
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K04204/2022-07-28/detailed
0E47 0856 Derby - Cambridge 37884
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:R02496/2022-07-26/detailed
5G46 37884 317343 317508
A fair amount of them have been scrapped at Raxstar in Eastleigh in the past as well. I wonder if that will continue?All remaining 317s now in purgatory at Ely Papworth before heading off to the great marshalling yard in the sky...... (Sims )
End of an era
As well as when the rest of the SWR 456s are also goneI can probably see the rest going to Sims. I guess they are waiting at Ely to officially go off lease. Does anyone know when their lease actually expires? At a guess I’d say August. I reckon they will probably go to Sims once Sims have more capacity once the Southern 455s are all gone.
Tuesday the 26th July 2022.Can anyone advise when 317337/338 moved from Ilford to Cambridge please? I've been unable to trace anything on RTT.
Tuesday 26th July 2022.Don’t think they have yet - saw them both there this time last week.
Yes, on the usual 5G44 path.Tuesday the 26th July 2022.
Tuesday the 26th July 2022.
Thanks very muchTuesday the 26th July 2022.
Ahh missed this - many thanks!Tuesday the 26th July 2022.
Did you at least get to go on one?Farewell 317s!![]()