British Rail Class 172 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 172 Turbostar |
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The interior of a West Midlands Trains Class 172
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| In service | 10 July 2010 - Present |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Transportation |
| Family name | Turbostar |
| Replaced | Class 150 |
| Constructed | 2010 - 2011 |
| Number built | 39 trainsets |
| Formation | 2 or 3 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 172/0: 120 seats 172/1: ? seats 172/2: 116 seats 172/3: 188 seats |
| Operator(s) | London Overground Chiltern Railways West Midlands Trains |
| Line(s) served | Snow Hill Lines Chiltern Main Line Gospel Oak to Barking Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Welded aluminium. Steel ends. |
| Car length | 23.62 m (77 ft 6 in) |
| Width | 2.69 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Height | 3.77 m (12 ft 4 in) |
| Maximum speed | 100 mph (160 km/h) |
| Weight | 41.6 tonnes (40.9 long tons; 45.9 short tons) |
| Prime mover(s) | One per car, MTU 6H1800R83 |
| Power output | 483 hp (360 kW) |
| Transmission | ZF Ecomat-Rail 6 speed ZF Reversing final drive |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS ATP (172/1 only) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The Class 172 is a type of train used in the UK. It is a diesel multiple unit (DMU). This means it's a train that runs on diesel fuel and can drive itself. It does not need a separate engine car.
The Class 172 belongs to the Turbostar family of trains. Other trains in this family include the Class 168, Class 170, and Class 171. They all share similar designs and technology.
Contents
What is the Class 172 Train?
The Class 172 is a modern passenger train. It was built by Bombardier Transportation. Construction took place between 2010 and 2011. These trains started running in July 2010.
Who Uses These Trains?
Different train companies use the Class 172. These include London Overground, Chiltern Railways, and West Midlands Trains. They operate on various routes across the UK.
Where Do They Run?
- London Overground uses them on the Gospel Oak to Barking Line.
- Chiltern Railways uses them on the Chiltern Main Line.
- West Midlands Trains uses them on the Snow Hill Lines.
How Are They Built?
Class 172 trains are made from welded aluminium. This makes them strong and relatively light. The ends of the train cars are made of steel for extra protection. Each train can have two or three cars linked together.
How Fast Can They Go?
These trains can reach a top speed of 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). This allows them to travel quickly between stations. Each car has its own engine. This helps the train accelerate well.
Safety Features on Board
The Class 172 trains have important safety systems. These include the Automatic Warning System (AWS). They also have the Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS). These systems help drivers follow signals and prevent accidents. Some Class 172/1 trains also have Automatic Train Protection (ATP). This system provides even more advanced safety.
Different Types of Class 172 Trains
There are a few different versions of the Class 172. These are called sub-classes. They are known as 172/0, 172/1, 172/2, and 172/3.
What Are the Differences?
The main differences are in their seating capacity. They also vary slightly in their features. For example, the 172/1 trains have the extra ATP safety system.
- Class 172/0: These trains have 120 seats.
- Class 172/2: These trains have 116 seats.
- Class 172/3: These trains have 188 seats.
Images for kids
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172006 at Leamington Spa in 2020. This was originally with London Overground.
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London Overground Class 172/0 No. 172005 at Walthamstow Queen's Road
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The interior of a London Overground Class 172/0
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A pair of Chiltern Railways Class 172/1 No. 172104 and No. 172102 at London Marylebone
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The interior of a Chiltern Railways Class 172/1
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West Midlands Trains Class 172/0
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Chiltern Railways Class 172/1
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West Midlands Trains Class 172/3
