Southern has released a timelapse video featuring the refurbishment of one of its carriages.
Southern’s first fleet of Class 377 Electrostar trains was introduced onto the network over ten years ago.
The train operator said the trains were starting to look ‘a little tired’ and were in need of some TLC.
The two and a half year programme, which started late last year, will cost over £9 million, with four carriages a week being refurbished.
The work is taking place at Southern’s Selhurst Depot where the interiors of the carriages are being completely gutted.
Fixtures and fittings are being replaced or refurbished then put back, the exterior of the carriage is being given a spruce-up by being deep-cleaned and repainted where needed, and at the same time, major exams (like an MOT) are carried out so repairs and maintenance to the running gear can take place, ensuring that the time the train is in the depot is used to maximum effect.
All 700 carriages will have been completely refurbished by Spring 2014, having done around one million miles each.
