Class 323 Profile and Models

323239 at Crewe in September 2010. ©Steve Jones

The British Rail Class 323 is a class of electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger train built by Hunslet Transportation Projects and Holec. All 43 units were built from 1992 through to 1995. Entering service in 1994, the 323s were among the last trains to enter service with British Rail before its privatisation in the mid-1990s. The units were designed to operate on inner-suburban commuter lines in and around Birmingham and Manchester with swift acceleration and high reliability. The units are known for the distinctive sounds that can be heard during acceleration or deceleration. These sounds are generated by the traction electronics. The Class 323s were initially beset with a number of technical problems related to their traction motors, doors, traction converters, gearbox and vibration at high speed which took several years to resolve, preventing them from entering service. The first unit finally entered revenue-earning service on 7 February 1994. Of the 43 units built, 26 are in operation with West Midlands Trains and 17 with Northern Trains. In the first half of 2024 the West Midlands Trains units are planned to be replaced by new Class 730 EMUs, and 34 units will be operated by Northern Trains. (Information provided via Wikipedia)
Type of Unit	Electric Multiple Unit - 25kV 50Hz AC Overhead
Builder	Hunslet Transportation Projects Holec Ridderkerk UK
Build Dates	1992 to 1995
Total Built	43 sets
Coaches Per Unit	3-car
Power Output	1,566hp
Top Speed	90mph
Passenger Capacity	275 to 284 seats
Operated By	British Rail Central Trains First North Western London Midland Northern Rail Northern Trains
Main Duties	Suburban Passenger
In Service Until	Present
Surviving Examples	All in service