Name: The Class 323 Farewell
Start: 2024-09-29T08:15:00+01:00
End: 2024-09-29T17:30:00+01:00
Location: Birmingham New Street railway station

West Midlands Railway (WMR) and the Branch Line Society are delighted to announce 'The Class 323 Farewell'. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a special day trip aboard a pair of Class 323s, which have been in operation on the Cross City Line through Birmingham since 1994, connecting the city with Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield, Redditch and Bromsgrove. The farewell trip will see a pair of Class 323s operate a round trip between Birmingham New Street and Liverpool Lime Street, and features the recently realigned Monument Lane loop.
More than three quarters of the twenty-six trains in the West Midlands fleet have already been cascaded, with the final few Class 323s still in operation are due to leave service by the end of this month. During their lifespan, the Class 323s have cumulatively provided hundreds of millions of passenger journeys and travelled millions of miles across the West Midlands rail network. The trains are known for the distinctive whining noise they make when accelerating!
Proceeds from ticket sales will support two important charities: Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Brain Tumour Research. Onboard, there will be an opportunity to purchase souvenirs for your special trip including window decals, and a charity raffle will give you the chance to win some fantastic prizes and further support the charities!
An extended leg stretch, lunch break and photo opportunity will be provided at Liverpool Lime Street.
Not surprisingly, celebrity 'Centro' livery 323 221 is expected to feature, subject to availability.
All times and routing are indicative until confirmed by Network Rail. Final routing and timings are usually confirmed by Network Rail five days before travel and will be enclosed with your e-ticket.
Birmingham New Street P10 (PU 08.22) - Barnt Green (PU 08.39) - Bromsgrove P1 (PU 08.49 / RM) - Birmingham New Street P5 (PU 09.10) - Perry Bar West Jn - Soho North Jn - Wolverhampton - Stafford P5 (PU 10.02) - Searchlight Lane Jn - Crewe Down Fast - Runcorn - Liverpool Lime Street P2 (SD 10.57)
Liverpool Lime Street P2 (PU 13.04) - Runcorn - Crewe - Stoke-on-Trent - Stone - Norton Bridge East Chord - Stafford - Rugeley Trent Valley - Hednesford - Walsall P2 (photo stop) - Perry Bar North Jn - Soho South Jn - Monument Lane Loop - Birmingham New Street - Birmingham International P2 - Coventry P4 (RM) - Birmingham International P3 - Birmingham New Street P3 (SD 17.39)