Class 390
The Class 390 is an iconic electric multiple unit (EMU), well known for its presence on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) and tilting technology, which allows the driver to maintain a higher speed around corners. The trains were constructed by Alstom, with tilt components supplied by Fiat Ferroviaria, between 2001 and 2012. Two configurations were built: the 9-car Class 390/0 and the 11-car Class 390/1. The train operates at a maximum of 125 mph (200 km/h), but is capable of reaching speeds upwards of 140 mph (225 km/h).
All common amenities expected of a long-distance intercity train can be found on the Class 390. There is plentiful space for luggage, a high seated capacity (upwards of 450 and 600 seats on the 390/0 and 390/1 respectively), Wi-Fi access, plug sockets, and more. These trains are also unique in their inclusion of standard premium seating. They entered revenue earning service on 23 January 2002 and are operated by Avanti West Coast.
Overview
Fiat Ferroviaria
2010–2012
Technical specifications
390/1 – 11-car
390/1 – 265.3 m
390/1 – 567 tonnes
On-board
390/1 — 607 seats
Included in first class
390/1 — Yes, 99 seats
Accessibility
Subclasses
There are two subclasses of the Class 390. The class 390/0 is formed of 9 cars per unit, whereas the class 390/1 is formed of 11 cars per unit. Initially, 53 9-car units were constructed by Alstom, but 31 of these were later lengthened with extra carriages to 390/1 units with 11 cars. A further four units (390154–390157) were purchased and constructed between 2010 and 2012.
| Class | Operator | Qty. | Year built | Cars per unit | Unit nos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390/0 | Avanti West Coast | 22 | 2001–2004 | 9 | 390001–390002, 390005–390006, 390008–390011, 390013, 390016, 390020, 390039–390040, 390042–390047, 390049–390050 |
390033 scrapped due to Grayrigg derailment. |
| 390/1 | 31 | 11 | 390103–390104, 390107, 390112, 390114–390115, 390117–390119, 390121–390132, 390134–390138, 390141, 390148, 390151–390153 |
31 units lengthened to 11 cars each in 2012. | ||
| 4 | 2010–2012 | 390154–390157 | New units purchased as part of extension order. |
Context
Edge Hill, Liverpool
Oxley, Wolverhampton
Polmadie, Glasgow
Wembley, London
Mk 2, Mk 3 carriages
Blackpool North Line
Media
Footnotes
- A pickup is a piece of equipment installed on a train to connect it to the supply of electricity, usually in the form of overhead lines or a third rail.
- Avanti offer standard premium seating as an intermediate tier between standard and first class. There is a 2+1 seating arrangement, with tables at every seat.
References and attribution
- Subclasses data: Alstom completes AWC Pendolino refurbishment. (2024). Railways Illustrated, (258), Aug., p.14.
- Subclasses table and fact file data: Forked from the English Wikipedia on 26 August 2024, copyright © the Wikipedia editors. Reproduced and distributed under the terms of the original license: CC-BY-SA 4.0. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_390.
- All photos are copyright © To The Trains 2024.
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This fact file was authored by Sebastien Jensen and last updated 27 August 2024.
