Present your case
If there’s a locomotive that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…
Locomotive:
Alstom Class 180 five-car DMU Gauge: ‘OO’ Proposed by: Mel Holley, by e-mail
What is it?
As part of its franchise agreement, First Great Western (FGW) committed to increase its Paddington-south Wales expresses to half-hourly frequency, requiring extra 125mph trains. With no surplus HSTS, it turned to Alstom with an order for 14 five-car Class 180s, similar to an order for 26 100mph Class 175 DMUS already under construction for First North Western.
Part of Alstom’s new ‘Coradia 1000’ family of EMU/DMU designs, used in Canada, Africa and Europe, the Class 180 were the first 125mph diesel passenger trains to be built in Britain since the final HSTS in 1982. The first ‘180’ rolled out of Washwood Heath works, Birmingham, in April 2000 and was given the brand name ‘Adelante’ by FGW.
The only high-speed diesel-hydraulic trains in the world, one bogie of each coach is driven by a 750hp Cummins QSK19 diesel, through a three-speed Voith transmission. With big picture windows, the airy interior is more like the popular Mk 3 than any other new train.
Despite the QSK19 also powering Bombardier’s Class 220/221 Voyagers, the ‘Adelantes’ are quieter and more pleasant. Popular with passengers, they have contributed to Hull Trains and Grand Central’s top passenger satisfaction scores.
Like most new trains, their introduction was painful and they didn’t enter service until December 2001. Plagued with faults, FGW eventually obtained more HSTS and, between 2007-2009, handed back most of its ‘180s’ to owner Angel Trains, although FGW did lease some again until 2017.
After refurbishment, the fleet was split between open-access operators First-owned Hull Trains and Arriva-owned Grand Central. The latter units underwent major modifications to improve reliability.
What would make it viable?
Although the interior layouts differ, there are only two bodyshells; the driving and centre cars, helping with tooling costs.
They cover wide geographical areas, including three leased from FGW to Northern Rail in 2008-2011 for Manchesterblackpool services.
Delivered in FGW’S ‘Barbie 2’ livery, they later carried the attractive FGW ‘dynamic lines’ livery. Grand Central’s striking black/ orange suits them, as does Hull Trains’ ‘dynamic lines’.
Being transferred this year to East Midlands Railway (EMR), they are likely to carry its new purple livery. With a ban on building new diesel trains, they are likely to be in service for at least another 15 years.
Can I see a real one?
Yes! Grand Central’s Sunderland/bradford Interchange-king’s Cross routes and Hull Trains, although its sets are being transferred to EMR for Midland Main Line expresses.
Have your say
Do you agree with Mel’s argument? Go to www.model-rail.co.uk and take part in our vote. How to join in
Want to present your own case? Send us 400 words explaining your choice to modelrail@bauermedia.co.uk, putting ‘Present Your Case’ in the subject line.