InterCity 225 facts for kids
The InterCity 225 is a special electric train that runs in the United Kingdom. It gets its name because it can travel at a super fast speed of 225 kilometers per hour (which is about 140 miles per hour)! These trains have been an important part of UK railways for many years. Starting in 2017, some of these trains began to be replaced by newer models, like the British Rail Class 800.
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What is the InterCity 225?
The InterCity 225 is not just one train car. It's actually a whole train set! Each set usually has a powerful electric engine called a Class 91 locomotive. This engine pulls or pushes a line of passenger coaches. At the other end of the train, there's a special control car called a Driving Van Trailer (DVT). This DVT allows the train to be driven from either end without needing to turn the whole train around.
How Fast Does It Go?
As its name suggests, the InterCity 225 is built for speed. It can reach speeds of 225 kilometers per hour. This makes it one of the fastest electric trains to operate regularly in the UK. This high speed helps people travel quickly between major cities.
Where Does It Run?
The InterCity 225 trains mostly run on the East Coast Main Line. This is a very important railway line in the UK. It connects big cities like London (at King's Cross station), York, Doncaster, and Edinburgh. These trains help thousands of passengers travel for work, holidays, and visiting family.
What are the Coaches Like?
The passenger coaches used with the InterCity 225 are called Mark 4 coaches. They are designed to be comfortable for long journeys. Inside, you can find different types of seating areas. There are First Class sections, which offer more space and comfort. There are also Standard Class areas for everyday travel. Many trains also have a Cafe-Bar where passengers can buy snacks and drinks during their trip.
Driving Van Trailer (DVT)
The Driving Van Trailer (DVT) is a unique part of the InterCity 225 train. It looks a bit like a locomotive but doesn't have its own engine. Instead, it contains the controls for the driver. This means the train can be driven from the DVT end. This is very useful at stations where the train needs to change direction. The DVT also has space for luggage or parcels.
The Future of the InterCity 225
Even though the InterCity 225 trains are still running, some of them are being replaced. Newer trains, like the British Rail Class 800, are taking over some routes. However, the InterCity 225 has been a very reliable and important train for the UK. It has helped many people travel quickly and comfortably for decades.
Images for kids
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Project Mallard refurbished First Class carriage
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An InterCity225 at Peterborough in 1992
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InterCity 225 set BR Class 91 91018 "Robert Louis Stevenson" at Doncaster with a MK4 coach in original BR InterCity Swallow livery.
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An InterCity 225 at speed on the East Coast Main Line in Nottinghamshire, view on a Class 91 locomotive
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A GNER liveried Mark IV standard coach
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A GNER liveried Mark IV RSM coach
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VTEC InterCity 225 arrives into London Kings Cross, view on a driving van trailer
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First Class interior on a VTEC InterCity 225 set
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The interior of a refurbished GNER Mark IV TSOE vehicle, showing the small area at the rear of the carriage formerly dedicated for the use of smoking passengers (now no longer permitted on any British trains)
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The interior of a refurbished GNER Mark IV TSO vehicle
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The interior of a refurbished GNER Mark IV RSM vehicle, showing the new Standard Class saloon
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The interior of a refurbished GNER Mark IV RSM vehicle, showing the Cafe-Bar buffet counter
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