End of an era
The retirement of the Class 315 trains
The Crossrail programme marked many milestones in 2022: from the opening of the Central Operating Section in May to through running in November.
But December 2022 marks another milestone: the retirement of the Class 315 trains from the Elizabeth line, effectively retiring the model from the UK’s rail network.
To commemorate their sturdy service, MTR Elizabeth line, in conjunction with the Branch Line Society, ran a 315 Commemorative Event.
With cheers, tears and plenty of souvenirs, and over £13,000 raised for charity, the 315 Commemorative Event on 26 November proved to be a fitting farewell to a much loved train.
The brainchild of our very own Jon Bradley, the 315 Commemorative Event was designed to celebrate the train’s years of service amongst its most ardent supporters.
The event was a great success, with over 500 tickets sold. Attendees generously partook in the raffle and auction prizes, which, alongside ticket sales, raised over £13,000 for Railway Children, an international charity working with street children in the UK, India and East Africa.
A big thank you to all involved for making this event such a success – especially the support we received from the Branch Line Society, 315 Preservation Society, Network Rail and Greater Anglia.
Lastly, MTR Elizabeth line would like to thank the Class 315 train for its exceptional 42 years of service.
