The Class 180 is part of the Coradia 1000 family of Diesel Multiple Unit like the
Class 175.
The Class 180 however, has a very different appearance with a sleek streamlined exterior [1]. The Class 180 was built for First Great Western to supplement High Speed Trains on services out of
London Paddington. Like the iconic HST, the Class 180 is also able reach 125 mp/h. Unfortunately, the Class 180s had a number of faults and problems and their entry into service was delayed until the end of 2001, over a year late.
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| Grand Central 180 at London Kings Cross |
| Information |
| Number built: |
70 (14 5-car sets) |
| Built: |
2000-01 |
| Builder: |
Alstom Birmingham |
| Engine: |
Cummins QSK19 diesel per car |
| Power: |
3, 750 hp (2, 800 kW) |
| Formation: |
Driving Motor Standard Lavatory (DMSL)+Motor First Lavatory
(MFL)+Motor Standard Lavatory (MSL)+Motor Standard
Lavatory Restaurant Buffet (MSLRB)+DMSL |
FGW (by now GWR) replaced most of their 180s with extra HSTs, which they received from cascades elsewhere though GWR kept five sets for services on the Cotswold Line for a time. The Class 180s have found further use with other operators. Nowadays, they are operated by Grand Central and East Midland Railway. They have also been operated by a number of other operators including Northern Rail and Hull Trains.
 |
| EMR 180 109 at Leicester |
 |
| Grand Central 180 102 passes through Peterborough |
 |
| In FGW/GWR days a Class 180 at Worcester Foregate Street |
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| Grand Central 180 101 at York |
[1] Colin J Marsden, DMU and EMU Recognition Guide (Ian Allan, 2013) p. 166
