The Class 220 Voyagers units were built post-privatisation to replace HSTs and locomotive hauled passenger trains on some long-distance cross country routes [1]. They were originally operated by Virgin Trains but nowadays are all operated by Cross Country.
Cross Country 220 034 at Banbury
Information
Number built:
136 (34 4-car sets)
Built:
2000-01
Builder:
Bombardier Bruges
Engine:
Cummins QSK19 diesel per car
Power:
3, 000 hp (2, 440 kW)
Formation:
Driving Motor Standard Lavatory (DMSL)+Motor Standard (MS)+
Motor Standard Lavatory (MSL)+Driving Motor First Lavatory (DMFL)
The Voyagers are high speed units able to reach 201 km/h (125 mph), every car in the unit has an engine, though cannot tilt like their sister units the Class 221. Although the units are generally reliable, and indeed form the backbone of Cross Country, the Voyagers have had a few problems.
They are generally shorter (at four cars) than the trains they replaced like the HST though initial passenger capacity was increased slightly by getting rid of the buffet, however overcrowding remains a problem with them. Plus passengers find the trains cramped and ill-equipped.
An option which has been mooted, as the units spend a lot of time running on electrified lined, has been to lengthen the Class 220s with a pantograph equipped fifth car turning the units into electro-diesels or as is commonly referred to these days "bi-mode", however it does not look as if this will now be carried out.
Another problem with the Voyagers is that they are vulnerable to sea water which can badly affect their electronics. They are barred from running where the line runs alongside the sea such as at Dawlish if sea conditions are rough there is a good chance of spray!
220 006 at Manchester Piccadilly
220 016 at Leamington Spa
220 025 and friend at Stafford
220 032 and friend at Derby
220 022 at Leamington Spa
[1] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 172
