British Rail Class 180 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 180 "Adelante" |
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Class 180, no. 180114 at Cheltenham Spa on 31 March 2004
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| In service | 2000 - Present |
| Manufacturer | Alstom |
| Family name | Coradia |
| Number built | 14 trainsets |
| Formation | 5 cars per trainset |
| Operator(s) | First Great Western First Hull Trains Northern Rail |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 125 mph (201 km/h) |
| Prime mover(s) | Cummins QSK19 |
| Braking system(s) | Air/Hydrodynamic |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS |
| Coupling system | Scharfenberg |
The Class 180 "Adelante" is a special type of train used in Britain. It's a diesel multiple unit, which means it's a train that runs on diesel fuel and has its own engines in each carriage. These trains were built by a company called Alstom between the years 2000 and 2001. They were made in Birmingham, England.
The Class 180 trains were designed to be express trains. This means they travel quickly and make fewer stops. They were first planned for a company called First North Western. However, the plan changed, and they ended up being used by First Great Western (FGW). FGW wanted these trains to help their existing fleet of High Speed Trains.
Contents
What is the Class 180 "Adelante"?
The Class 180 is a modern train that can travel very fast. Its top speed is 125 miles per hour (201 km/h). Each train is made up of five connected carriages. These trains are known for their sleek design and powerful engines. They are named "Adelante," which means "forward" or "go ahead" in Spanish.
Who Operates the Adelante Trains?
Over the years, these trains have been used by several different train companies.
- First Great Western was one of the main operators.
- First Hull Trains also used these trains for routes connecting Hull to London.
- Northern Rail has also operated some of the Class 180 units.
The trains have moved between operators due to changes in train service needs. For example, some trains were returned to the company that leases them. Later, First Great Western announced in 2010 that the Class 180s would return to their fleet in 2012. They were then used on the Cotswold Line.
Why are these Trains Important?
The Class 180 trains were built to provide fast and comfortable journeys for passengers. They helped connect different cities and towns across Britain. Even though they faced some challenges early on, they have continued to be an important part of the UK's railway network. They show how train technology has developed over time.
Images for kids
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A Grand Central Class 180 train at Harringay in May 2019.
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A Grand Central Class 180 at Leeds in September 2020.
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An East Midlands Railway 180109 train at Leicester in April 2021.
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A First Great Western Class 180 at London Paddington in January 2016.
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Northern Rail Adelante trains at Blackpool North in October 2009.
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Hull Trains 180109 at Harringay in May 2019.
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Grand Central livery.
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