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Class 170 Turbostar

The Class 170 Turbostar was one of the largest fleets of new generation diesel multiple units which was built post-privatisation. The Class 170 typically operates on regional and long-distance (cross country) services and is a development of the Class 168 Clubman diesel multiple unit [1]. Indeed later built 168s and 170s have a very close resemblance (some Class 170s have been re-classified as Class 168/3s). The follow-on Turbostar DMUs Classes 171 and 172 also look near identical, meaning the Turbostar "look" is a very common one on British rails.

ScotRail 170 403 at Nairn



Information
Number built: 331 (122 2 and 3-car sets)
Built: 1998-2005
Builder: ABB Derby / Bombardier Derby
Motor: MTU 6R 183TD13H diesel per car
Power: 1, 266 hp (945 kW) / 844 hp (630 kW)
Formation: Typically Driving Motor Standard Lavatory (DMSL)+Motor
Standard (MS)+Driving Motor Composite Lavatory (DMCL)
or DMSL+DMCL
(170/3): DMCL+Motor Standard Lavatory Restaurant Buffet
(MSLRB)+DMSL
(170/4): DMCL+MS+DMCL

The Class 170 is used throughout the rail network, operated by ScotRail, Cross Country, Transport for Wales and East Midlands Railway. Previous operators include South West Trains [2], West Midlands Railway, Hull Trains and First TransPennine Express.

There are a number of sub-classes though all share the same specification and equipment. The differences being in seating arrangements.

Cross Country 170 521 and friend at Melton Mowbray

Transport for Wales 170 203 at Gloucester

East Midlands Railway 170 419 passes through Spondon

Cross Country 170 116 at Beeston

EMR 170 417 approaches Barrow-upon-Soar



[1] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 154
[2] John Balmforth, South West Trains (Ian Allan, 2011) p. 58