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British Rail Class 168 "Clubman"
Chiltern train at Kidderminster.jpg
A Chiltern Railways Class 168 "Clubman" unit 168005 at Kidderminster railway station. This unit is from the first batch.
In service 1998 - present
Manufacturer ADtranz
Family name Turbostar
Constructed 1998-2004
Refurbishment Late 2007
Number built 19 trainsets
Formation 3 or 4 cars per trainset
Fleet numbers 168001 - 168005, 168106 - 168113, 168214 - 168219
Operator(s) Chiltern Railways
Line(s) served Chiltern Main Line, London to Aylesbury Line
Specifications
Maximum speed 100 mph
Prime mover(s) MTU 6R 183TD
Safety system(s) ATP, AWS, TPWS, Tripcock system
Track gauge Standard gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8½ in)

The Class 168 Clubman is a special type of diesel multiple-unit (DMU) train. This means it runs on diesel fuel and has its own engines. It does not need a separate locomotive to pull it. These trains are used by Chiltern Railways. They travel on important routes between London and the Midlands area of England.

The first Clubman trains were built starting in 1997. They looked a lot like the older Class 165 trains. This is because their design was based on earlier plans. Later versions of the Class 168 trains got a newer look and updated technology. These newer trains are part of the Turbostar family of trains.

What is the Class 168 Clubman Train?

The Class 168 Clubman is a modern passenger train. It is designed for fast and comfortable journeys. These trains can reach speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. They are a key part of the train services offered by Chiltern Railways.

How the Clubman Trains Were Built

The Class 168 trains were built in different groups. The first group, called 168/0, looked similar to older trains. They had a classic design for their front end, called the cab.

Class 168 Chiltern Railways Diagram 1
A Class 168 diagram, showing its layout in Chiltern Railways colours.

Later groups, known as 168/1 and 168/2, had a more modern cab design. They also had new wiring inside. These changes made them part of the newer Turbostar family of trains. The Turbostar family includes several different types of modern trains.

168005 at Willesden Green
Class 168/0 unit 168005 passing Willesden Green.

Where Do Clubman Trains Operate?

The Class 168 trains mainly serve the Chiltern Main Line. This is a busy route connecting London to places in the Midlands. They also run on the London to Aylesbury Line. These trains help many people travel for work and leisure every day.

Class168mk0
A Class 168/0 train at Aylesbury station.

Safety Features of the Class 168

These trains have important safety systems. They include ATP, AWS, and TPWS. These systems help the driver operate the train safely. They can warn the driver of dangers or even stop the train automatically if needed.

Chiltern at Marylebone
A Class 168 "Clubman", unit 168219, showing the later cab design. It is next to a Class 165 unit, 165038, at Marylebone station.
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