British Rail Class 221 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 221 SuperVoyager |
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| In service | 2002– |
| Manufacturer | Bombardier Transportation |
| Family name | Voyager |
| Constructed | 2000–2002 |
| Number built | 44 trainsets |
| Number in service | 44 trainsets |
| Formation | 4 or 5 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | 221101–221144 |
| Capacity | 26 first class, 162 or 224 standard class per trainset |
| Operator(s) | CrossCountry Virgin Trains |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Steel |
| Car length | 23.85 m (78 ft 3 in) driving end cars 22.82 m (74 ft 10 in) other cars |
| Width | 2.73 m (8 ft 11 in) |
| Doors | Swing plug at vehicle ends |
| Articulated sections | Flexible diaphragm within unit only |
| Maximum speed | 125 mph (200 km/h) |
| Weight | 227 t (223 long tons; 250 short tons) or 282.8 t (278.3 long tons; 311.7 short tons) per trainset |
| Traction system | DEMU |
| Prime mover(s) | Cummins QSK19 |
| Power output | 750 hp (560 kW) per car |
| Braking system(s) | Rheostatic and electro-pneumatic |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS, TASS, |
| Coupling system | Dellner |
The Class 221 SuperVoyager is a cool train you might see in the United Kingdom. These trains are used by CrossCountry and Virgin Trains. They were built by Bombardier Transportation between 2000 and 2002.
The first SuperVoyager started running on April 12, 2002. It traveled between Birmingham and Brighton. These trains are a bit like the Class 220 Voyager trains. But the SuperVoyagers have a special "tilting" feature.
This tilting mechanism helps the train lean into curves. It can tilt up to six degrees. This allows the train to go faster around bends in the track. The SuperVoyager can reach a top speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).
Contents
What Makes the SuperVoyager Special?
The SuperVoyager trains are known for their tilting ability. This feature helps them travel quickly on curvy railway lines. It means passengers get a smoother ride, even at high speeds.
How Tilting Works
Imagine a bicycle rider leaning into a turn. A tilting train does something similar. Sensors on the train detect curves in the track. Then, special equipment makes the train body lean. This leaning action helps balance the train. It also makes the ride more comfortable for everyone inside.
Speed and Power
Each SuperVoyager train can have four or five cars. Each car has its own engine. This means the train doesn't need a separate locomotive to pull it. This design helps the train speed up and slow down quickly. It can reach speeds of 125 mph (201 km/h).
Who Uses SuperVoyager Trains?
When they were first built, SuperVoyager trains were used by Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin West Coast. Today, you can still see them running with CrossCountry and Virgin Trains.
Traveling Across the UK
These trains are important for connecting different parts of the UK. They travel on long-distance routes. This helps people get from one city to another quickly. They are a key part of the country's train network.
Images for kids
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Classes 220 (left) and 221 (right) showing the differing bogie designs
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The first class interior on a CrossCountry Class 221
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Bicycle compartments on a CrossCountry Class 221
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The electronic information display board on Virgin Trains West Coast 221109. Here this board shows that the train is bound for Holyhead
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CrossCountry 221124 at Manchester Piccadilly in 2015
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Avanti West Coast 221108 at London Euston in 2020, having been debranded from Virgin Trains
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Virgin Trains West Coast 221108 at Watford Junction in 2008
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Virgin Trains West Coast 221 115 Polmadie Depot at Rugeley Trent Valley in 2014
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Virgin Trains 221101 at Birmingham New Street in the 'flowing silk' livery in 2019
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