With the withdrawal of the BR Class 483 EMU from the Isle of Wight’s Island Line , the BR Class 313 EMU took the crown for the oldest electric multiple unit in public service across Britain’s mainline railways, having served commuters since 1976. Built at the now-closed Holgate Road carriage works in York by British Rail Engineering limited, it was the first of the second generation of British Railway EMUs, and carried the torch for another 4 similar classes that proceeded it. Originally designed to work Great Northern Inner Suburban services, its proposed route included a short section of tube line, thus required some unique design features. Built to a slightly shorter loading gauge it gives it a rather boxier look from the front than the vast majority of its EMU cousins. It also has emergency doors in the centre of each cab, in compliance with London Underground safety requirements.

Its power supply also introduced a first on Britain’s railways, dual-voltage. Equipped with a pantograph for 25 kV AC overhead lines, and shoegear for 750 V DC third rail supply it had the freedom to be used on a variety of lines across the network. Working services for Southern, Great Northern, and an eclectic mix of routes in between, this plucky little commuter EMU has really made the most of its duel-voltage capabilities. When refurbished for running on the Southern Coastway the BR Class 313 EMU has its pantograph removed.

Having served the public for 45 years there are now only 20 remaining units of the 64 originally built. Upon their introduction to the East Coastway, media and unions thought it a controversial move to run such dated stock, however, moving these smaller three car units to more rural routes made the way for longer trains and station improvements such as platform lengthening across the wider Southern network in the busier South of London.

This veteran of British commuter services is coming soon to Train Sim World 2: East Coastway. The BR Class 313 EMU enhances the already magnificent East Coastway and gives you an entirely new way to enjoy one of Train Sim World’s most popular routes. PC , Playstation 5, and Xbox Series X|S players will also be able to use the BR Class 313 EMU with the Add-On Rush Hour- London Commuter, 12 playable and AI services will be able to be enjoyed.

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