377501 on Test

This weekend the first of First Capital Connect's new fleet of Electrostars, unit 377501 has been on test in daylight hours.

The unit ran into London Victoria as part of a 12 car formation.



It was also spotted at Clapham Junction as part of a 8 car formation.



The unit is rather late as it was originally expected that the fleet of 23 units would be in service for a timetable change in Decemeber 2008. sadly this wasn't the case and now the recession has hit hard at Bombardier, forcing them to buy some of their suppliers to ensure the units can be completed. The air conditioned 4 car units will be introduced from the end of this month to help with the new Thameslink timetable that comes into force on March 22nd. These units will run the long distance services such as Ashford International and the Medway Towns in the peak and run Bedford to Brighton off peak. Introduction of all 23 trains is currently unknown as the second unit, 377504, is expected to be deliveried this week.