British Rail Class 390 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 390 "Pendolino" |
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Class 390 no. 390029 "City of Stoke-on-Trent" at Birmingham New Street on 24 September 2003 with a service to Wolverhampton. These units now work the majority of Avanti West Coast services.
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| In service | 23 July 2002 - Current |
| Manufacturer | Alstom, Washwood Heath (Fiat tilting system) |
| Family name | Pendolino |
| Constructed | 2001-2004 |
| Number built | 53 trainsets |
| Formation | 9 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | 390001 - 390053 |
| Capacity | 145 first class seats 294 standard class seats |
| Operator(s) | Avanti West Coast |
| Line(s) served | West Coast Main Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Car length | 24.1 m |
| Width | 2.9 m |
| Height | 2.73 m |
| Maximum speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) [Design] 125 mph (200 km/h) [Service] |
| Weight | 466 t |
| Power output | 5.1 MW |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC Overhead |
| Braking system(s) | Regenerative, Rheostatic, Disc |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
The Class 390 "Pendolino" is a special electric train used in the United Kingdom. It's famous for being a tilting train. This means it can lean into curves, allowing it to go faster around bends.
These trains were built by a company called Alstom, with a special tilting system from Fiat Ferroviaria. Fifty-three of these trains were made between 2001 and 2004. Each train usually has nine cars.
Contents
What is a Pendolino Train?
A Pendolino is a type of electric multiple unit (EMU). This means it's a train made of several cars that can all move on their own. They don't need a separate engine car. The Class 390 Pendolino is a very fast train. It can reach speeds of up to 125 miles per hour (200 km/h) when carrying passengers.
How Does the Tilting Work?
The tilting system is what makes the Pendolino special. When the train goes around a curve, sensors detect the bend. The train then automatically leans into the curve. This leaning helps passengers feel more comfortable. It also allows the train to maintain higher speeds safely. Without tilting, trains would have to slow down more for curves.
Where Do Pendolinos Run?
These trains mostly operate on the West Coast Main Line. This is a very important railway line in the UK. It connects major cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Glasgow. The Pendolinos help people travel quickly between these places.
Who Operates These Trains?
When they were first built, the Class 390 Pendolinos were used by Virgin Trains. They ran services for many years. Today, these trains are operated by Avanti West Coast. They continue to be a key part of the UK's high-speed rail network.
Building the Pendolino
The Class 390 trains were built in Birmingham, England. The main assembly plant was Alstom's Washwood Heath factory. These Pendolinos were actually the very last trains to be put together at this factory. The plant closed down in 2005, shortly after the last Pendolino was finished.
Images for kids
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The inside of a First Class section in 2015.
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A Pendolino train tilting as it goes around a curve.
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An Avanti Pendolino tilting in Scotland.
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The driver's cabin of a Class 390 train.
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Virgin Trains 390006 at Northampton with a special "flowing silk" design.
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Avanti West Coast 390155 at London Euston station.
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Virgin Trains 390104 Alstom Pendolino at Preston station.
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Avanti West Coast 390119 Progress at Carlisle station.
