British Rail Class 221

See also: Bombardier Voyager

British Rail Class 221
Super Voyager
CrossCountry Class 221 at Leamington Spa in 2015
Standard Class interior on a refurbished Avanti West Coast unit
ManufacturerBombardier Transportation
Built at
Family nameVoyager
Replaced
Constructed2001–2002
Entered service12 April 2002 – present
Number built44
Number in service37
SuccessorClass 805 & Class 807 (Avanti West Coast)
Formation
  • 4-car units:[1]
    DMSL-MSRB-MSL(A)-DMFL
  • 5-car units:[1]
    DMSL-MSRB-MSL(A)-MSL(B)-DMFL
Diagram
  • DMSL vehicles: DF210
  • MSRB vehicles: DG201
  • MSL vehicles: DG202
  • DMFL vehicles: DF101[1]
Fleet numbers221101–221144
Capacity
  • As built:[1]
  • 4-car units: 186 seats
    (26 first-class, 160 standard)
  • 5-car units: 246 seats
    (26 first-class, 220 standard)
Operators
Depots
Specifications
Car body constructionSteel
Car length
  • DM vehs.: 23.85 m (78 ft 3 in)[4]
  • Others: 23.67 m (77 ft 8 in)[1]
Width2.73 m (8 ft 11 in)
Height3.75 m (12 ft 4 in)
DoorsSingle-leaf sliding plug, two per side per car
WheelbaseBogies: 2.700 m (8 ft 10.3 in)[4]
Maximum speed125 mph (200 km/h)
Axle loadApprox. 17 t (17 LT; 19 ST)[4]
Traction systemAlstom Onix 800 IGBT, two traction motors per car[1]
Prime mover(s)Cummins QSK19-R, one per car
Engine typeInline-6 turbo-diesel[5]
Displacement19 L (1,159 cu in) per engine[5]
Power output
  • 559 kW (750 hp) per engine
  • 350 kW (470 hp) per traction motor[4]
UIC classification1A′A1′+1A′A1′+...+1A′A1′[4][6]
BogiesBombardier HVP[4]
Braking system(s)Electro-pneumatic (disc) and rheostatic[1]
Safety system(s)
Coupling systemDellner 12[7]
Multiple workingWithin class, and with Class 220[1]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

The British Rail Class 221 Super Voyager is a class of tilting diesel-electric multiple unit express passenger trains built in Bruges, Belgium and Wakefield, by Bombardier Transportation in 2001–02.

The class is similar to the Class 220 Voyager, but was built with a tilting mechanism enabling up to six degrees of tilt to allow higher speeds on curved tracks. Additionally, most have five coaches, and they have a different bogie design. They have a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h).

The trains are divided between three operators, Avanti West Coast (13 sets), CrossCountry (25 sets) and Grand Central (two sets). CrossCountry sets had their tilt function disabled in 2008 to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs.

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Marsden, C. J. (2007). "Class 221 'Super Voyager'". Traction Recognition. Hersham: Ian Allan Publishing. pp. 150–151, 254. ISBN 978-0-7110-3277-4. OCLC 230804946. OL 16902750M.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Grand_Central_sets was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ "Grand Central to lease two Voyagers". Today's Railways UK. No. 258. August 2023. p. 10.
  4. ^ a b c d e f References: High-Speed Trains and Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) (PDF). Heidenheim: Voith Turbo. May 2008. pp. 20–21. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  5. ^ a b Every Track - QSK19 for Rail Applications (PDF) (09/08 ed.). Daventry: Cummins Ltd. Bulletin 4087201. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  6. ^ "Cutting noise and smoothing the ride". Railway Gazette International. 1 August 2000. Archived from the original on 4 June 2012. Retrieved 20 December 2010. 216 SuperVoyager cars capable of tilting 6° ... will use the well-proven Y36 bogie with hydraulic tilt actuation.
  7. ^ System Data for Mechanical and Electrical Coupling of Rail Vehicles in support of GM/RT2190 (PDF). London: Rail Safety and Standards Board. 22 June 2011. p. 4. SD001. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2012. Retrieved 22 November 2022.