The Class 172 diesel multiple unit is a member of the Turbostar family (which also includes the Classes 170 and 171). It is similar to the Class 170 but has diesel-mechanical transmission and a more austere interior to suit inner-suburban routes. They also have lighter bogies than other Turbostars.
WMR 172 214 arrives at Old Hill
Information
Number built:
117 (39 2 or 3 car sets)
Built:
2010-11
Builder:
Bombardier Derby
Engine:
MTU 6H1800R83 diesel per vehicle
Power:
968hp (720kW) / 1, 449hp (1, 080kW)
Formation:
Driving Motor Standard (DMS)+DMS or
DMS+Driving Motor Standard Lavatory (DMSL) or
DMSL+Motor Standard (MS)+DMS
They were ordered for London Overground, Chiltern Railways and London Midland (now West Midlands Railway). [1] The London Overground sets (Class 172/0) were cascaded to West Midlands Railway once electrification of the Gospel Oak-Barking Line which they operated on was completed. Chiltern's 172s (Class 172/1) were also transferred to strengthen the West Midlands Railway fleet, so all Class 172s are now operated by the same company.
The 172/3s are 3-car sets with the other sub-classes being 2-car. Most Class 172s have gangway doors (like most Electrostars) though some have a standard Class 170 style Turbostar front-end.
In London Midland days, 172 335 arrives at Earlswood
Inside a WMR 172
172 337 at Acocks Green
172 008 (ex-London Overground) at Nuneaton
172 218 at Wilmcote
[1] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 162
