Sixteen 1972-design hi-density sets were built at BREL York in 1979 for Glasgow suburban operation, the sets design is identical to the Class 313, 315, 507 and 508 fleets. The units are gangwayed within sets having end emergency doors for tunnel working. The two driving cars are the power vehicles with the middle TS housing the power collection pantograph and transformer.
Surprisingly for a small fleet dual supply of traction equipment took place, with the first six sets having Brush equipment's and the balance GEC traction motors.
When delivered the 314s were painted in standard BR blue and grey livery with yellow ends. From 1983 the sets were painted in Strathclyde orange colours and from the late 1990s this gave way to Strathclyde maroon and cream.