How are Rolling Stock (TOPS) Numbers decided?

[Hattermick]

Often wondered who decides the coach/set numbers for new stock.Is there a format they follow,or is there a department who's job it is to decide.I read somewhere the Crossrail stock will be Class 345 ! If so,who decided. TIA Mick Odell.

 

[NotATrainspott]

Often wondered who decides the coach/set numbers for new stock.Is there a format they follow,or is there a department who's job it is to decide.I read somewhere the Crossrail stock will be Class 345 ! If so,who decided. TIA Mick Odell.

I think the 345 number is only being applied because it was the one thought of back when BR were really planning the line. As the current stock tender is just the evolution of what they were planning for Crossrail back then there was no reason to change it. Technologically speaking the trains are going to be minimally different to the class 700s on Thameslink. The numbers mean absolutely nothing in reality nowadays because of the number inflation of jumping up in gaps of fives, and how the categories have been messed up completely - 370: APT (fine), 373: TGV-TMST (fine), 374: Velaro D (fine), 375: DC commuter unit fitted with a pantograph which is never used!

 

[Manchester77]

Under NSE the Crossrail stock would be 341s.
The SR DC stock is numbered more logically, it's very well explained on wiki actually:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britis...ssification_alterations_and_extensions_-_TOPS

 

[starrymarkb]

IIRC all new stock is assigned an 11 digit UIC number though most stock doesn't carry the full number (IIRC the 374s will be the first passenger trains to do so).

 

[swt_passenger]

There's a rail group standard that defines the numbering system, the use of classes in higher number ranges such as 700s and 800s is pretty much new in the last couple of years, so the amendment was probably happening at about the same time as Crossrail were reserving the 345 range.

Incredibly boring document to be honest...

http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/Railway_...ck/Railway Group Standards/GMRT2453 Iss 2.pdf

 

[WatcherZero]

Generally they are grouped into hundreds by type and the higher the power the higher the number within that hundred but its not a firm and fast rule.