British Diesels and Electrics: Class 222 Meridian

The Class 222 Meridian is similar to the Class 220 and 221 in being new generation high speed diesel units, though the Meridians have a different interior to the other units with more space available due to more components being fitted under the floor. They were originally built for Midland Main Line and Hull Trains [1].

EMR 222 012 at Derby

Information
Number built:	143 cars (23 4, 5 and 7-car sets)
Built:	2003-05
Builder:	Bombardier Brugge
Motor:	Cummins QSK9R diesel per car
Power:	(222/0 7-car) 5, 250 hp (3, 920 kW) (222/0 5-car) 3, 750 hp (2, 800 kW) (222/1) 3, 000 hp (2, 240 kW)
Formation:	7-car : Driving Motor First (DMF)+Motor First (MF)+MF+Motor Standard Shop Buffet (MSRMB)+Motor Standard (MS)+MS+ Driving Motor Standard (DMS) 5-car : DMF+Motor Composite (MC)+MSRMB+MS+DMS 4-car : DMF+MC+MSRMB+DMS

After the franchise change on the Midland main line they were transferred to East Midland Trains. The Hull Trains units (which were known as "Pioneers") were later transferred to EMT. Now they are operated by EMT's successor East Midlands Railway.

They work the majority of East Midlands Railway expresses out of London St Pancras. The Meridians come in a number of different formations (see above).