British Rail Class 220

Diesel Electric Multiple Unit Train

The Class 220 Voyager is a class of diesel-electric high-speed multiple-unit trains built by Bombardier Transportation for the British train operating company Virgin Trains, but are now operated by CrossCountry. They are air-conditioned throughout, with powered doors and a top speed of 125 mph (200 km/h). They were introduced to replace the thirty-year-old High Speed Train and Class 47 fleets. The trains were built between 2000 and 2001 and the first train entered service on 5 June 2001.[1] The train is still operating currently in 2023 in parts of the United Kingdom. Trains like the Class 220 have made appearances in multiple popular Video Games as a result.[2]

British Rail Class 220 Voyager
A CrossCountry Voyager at Birmingham New Street on 5 April 2008
Typical Standard Class interior of a Voyager coach
In service2001-present
ManufacturerBombardier Transportation
Family nameVoyager
Number built34 trainsets
Number in service34 trainsets
Formation4 cars per trainset
Capacity162 standard class, 26 first class
Operator(s)CrossCountry
Specifications
Width2.73 m (8 ft 11 in)
Articulated sectionsFlexible diaphragm (within unit only)
Maximum speed125 mph (200 km/h)
Weight185.6 t (182.7 long tons; 204.6 short tons) per trainset
Traction systemDEMU
Prime mover(s)Cummins QSK19
Power output3,000 hp (2,200 kW)
TransmissionVoith final drive
Braking system(s)Rheostatic
Safety system(s)AWS, TPWS
Coupling systemDellner
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 12 in) standard gauge
CrossCountry Voyager 220027 shows off the new livery at Darlington.
A Class 220 Virgin Voyager at Bristol
Virgin Voyager 220003 Solent Voyager at Doncaster on 4 September 2007


Some predecessors of the Class 220 includes the HST and its tilting “cousin” the APT.[3]

References change

  1. "First Voyager in Service". Archived from the original on 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2008-12-29.
  2. "Stepford County Railway Wiki". scr.fandom.com. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  3. "Prototype Advanced Passenger Train (APT-P)". www.apt-p.com. Retrieved 2023-10-30.