Recently, RailAdvent were invited by Alstom to Derby Litchurch Lane Works to see how the Elizabeth Line trains were built, and we also got the chance to take a cab ride on the test track!
345071 is the first complete unit that has left the production line and is now undergoing final tests on the Derby Test Track.
The Class 345 is the same train as those that currently operate on the Elizabeth Line network, but will help to boost capacity to around 120,000 people.
In this video, we show off the process of building a train carriage, as well as have a ride on 345071 on the test track.
Each of the new Class 345s is nine carriages in length, and the construction, which Alstom showed us around, includes 50 miles of cabling, 47,700 screws and 31,700 bolts.
It’s really impressive to see how much of the carriage is actually built by hand. Yes, lots of machines help lift roofs, etc., but lots of the work is done by hand, whether it’s installing sound deadening or attaching doors.
A big thank you to Alstom for inviting us to Derby once again for another milestone.
Responses
As jobs at Alstom Litchurch Lane train manufacturing facility is saved as 10 more Class 345 Elizabeth Line trains are being constructed. There’s opportunity for Alstom to build and manufacture new trains including the Aventra and Adessia rolling stock. And new London Underground tube stock for the Bakerloo Line, Central Line and Waterloo & City Line.