Late last year, we talked about the Bombardier-built Aventra electric multiple units (EMU) that British operator South Western Railway, a joint-venture of First and MTR, ordered for their suburban lines in the southwestern suburbs of London.
We thank Quintus Vosman for his support and pictures.
A big contract
90 units have been ordered, and they are known as Class 701s. The 60 10-car sets form the 701/0 subclass (units 701.001 to 701.060), and the 30 5-car sets form the 701/5 subclass (units 701.501 to 701.530). They are capable of running at speeds up to 160 kph (100 mph) and draw power from a 750 V DC third-rail.
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