Recognition and Equipment information
	Class 321

The original batch of Class 321 units were allocated to the Great Eastern section of Network SouthEast at Ilford and replaced many of the older EMU types still in traffic, the four car sets, gangwayed within and with open saloon seating in both first and standard class were a major improvement on previous stock. Set No. 321365 is seen at Ipswich in October 1995. CJM

Following privatisation the Great Eastern allocated stock was operated by first Great Eastern and the company livery was soon applied, as seen here on set 321304. In recent times the FGE sets have received major facelift overhauls at Ilford with many improvements made to passenger accommodation. CJM

Class 321 seating. On the left is the original design for the first class, set out in 2+2 using mauve as the main colour, the first area was isolated from the rest of the coach by a sliding door. On the right is the standard class seating with NSE blue moquette. Both: CJM

Following facelift by FGE at Ilford the seating has been slightly changed. On the left is the revised first class area, which originally had a separate area for smoking, the saloon has now been opened out with all non-smoking accommodation. On the right we see the revised standard class look, using mid-green as the main colour. Both: CJM

The second batch of Class 321s to be built were numbered in the 3214xx series and allocated to Bletchley for Euston-Birmingham route operation. The sets had slightly different first class accommodation but were otherwise the same as the Great Eastern sets. All were originally finished in Network SouthEast livery, as shown on a set approaching Milton Keynes. CJM

Following privatisation in the mid-1990s and the take over of the Euston suburban operations by Silverlink Railways, a part of National Express Group, a new very bright livery was adopted, using mauve, lime green and white. The livery is seen on set 321421. CJM

In the late 1990s it became common for train operators to use entire trains for advertising, usually applying decals in vinyl onto a base body colour. Silverlink re-liveried set No. 321428 in what can only be described as official graffiti to promote the low price Silverlink fare between Euston and Birmingham, the branding on the TSO is illustrated. CJM

The final three Class 321s to be built were for use on the Leeds-Doncaster local services, funded by WYPTE and worked under the metro Train banner. These four car sets are for standard class only travel and have seating in the 3+2 hi-density layout. The units, allocated to Leeds Neville hill are painted in WYPTE red and cream. No. 321901 is illustrated at Doncaster. CJM

Left: detail of Class 321/9 TSO. Right: Interior layout of 321/9 stock. Both: CJM

Class 321 driving cab layout, applicable to all sub-classes. CJM

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