A Glasgow Electric 'Blue' Train - Class 303 EMU - 2001

These class 303 electric multiple units began service on Glasgow's northern network in 1960 and on the south side Cathcart Circle the following year. They were originally painted Caledonian blue and thus called 'blue trains' by locals. The basic three-car set - seen here - could be extended to six, nine and twelve cars when business demanded - like during rush hours and for major football tournaments at Hampden Park.

The greatest feature of these trains - at least as far as we kids were concerned - was the big glass observation panel in the leading coach, which provided an excellent view of both the driver in his cab and the track ahead. Later, when the trains were refurbished in the 1980s - and painted that horrible orange colour by the new SPTE, or Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive to give its full name (what a mouthful) - the glass panels disappeared and at once the trains lost much of their original appeal.

This movie was shot at Queen's Park Station, Glasgow (on The Cathcart Circle line) around the beginning of August 2001 - just over four months before the last 303 went from Glasgow Queen Street to Helensburgh Central on 22nd December the same year. And how appropriate that the man who drove the last 303 was the son of the man who'd driven the very first one over forty years earlier.

A fine end to a great railway era.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Glasgow
• electric
• blue
• train
• class
• 303
• emu
• Queen's
• Park
• Cathcart
• Circle
• Hampden

[lafflikefuck]

I can remember the blue trains when they were actually blue.

[liddy5000]

Me too.

[manicmacintosh]

I enjoyed the smell of these bad boys.....

[liddy5000]

Me too. They did have a very unique tang to them. Shame the new trains don't have this.

[moomoocajoo]

i miss these trains :(

[jjanderson121079]

In response to past few comments, I would love a medal if I was as reliable and hardworking as a '303' for past 40years. For some it brings back some fond memories, but I guess as you've no brain, memory is something you wouldn't know...

[CREPELLO12]

when ever i have visited glasgow the visit was not complete without a visit to see and photograph the class 303 which was an important familiar part of glasgows heritage. you won,t be forgotten the bonnie bonnie class 303.

[pubjamsessions]

the colour has changed eh!

[ccolimon]

Why is there a pantograph ?

[1997larsson]

i loved these train s as a kid they should have put them in the transport centre in Glasgow

[cosybike]

@WatakiWatako

In the days of guards, actual service, The Royal Mail and days out to the beach, you could put your bike in there. Helensburgh received post and newspapers from the blue trains.

[Sugababeslover]

The next new units they make should be a modern Class 303. Same appearance but more advanced.

[trossachs2003]

so when my grandparents used to take me regularly to Helensburgh c'69/'70 from Scotstoun would it have been on one of these? I don't remember much about the trains but I always remember Dumbarton Rock and the whisky factory with the geese