Present your case

If there’s a prototype that you think needs to be offered ready-to-run, here’s the place to voice your opinion…

Locomotive: Class 222 ‘Meridian’ DMU Gauge: ‘OO’ Proposed by: Clive Scott

What is it?

Following on from the Class 220/221 ‘Voyager’ fleet, commissioned by Virgin Trains for its West Coast and Cross-country franchises in the early 2000s, the Class 222 was designed for the Midland Main Line (MML) route. Although featuring a similar technical specification, the Class 222 sports a revised front end and a different interior layout.

Assembled by Bombardier Transportation in Bruges, Belgium, as a mix of four-car and nine-car diesel-electric multiple units, the ‘222s’ entered traffic in 2004-5 and were christened ‘Meridians’ by the incumbent franchise holder, Midland Mainline. Hull Trains also ordered a quartet of four-car Class 222s, branded as ‘Pioneer’ units, but they were absorbed into the ‘Meridian’ fleet by 2008, by which time the Midland franchise was being operated by East Midlands Trains.

Over the years, the ‘222s’ have been marshalled into varying lengths, dictated by levels of passenger traffic on specific routes, but for some time now they have been formed into seven and five-car units.

What makes it a viable project?

Bachmann’s ‘OO’ Class 220/221 ‘Voyager’ tooling dates back to 2003 and, while it still looks good, it’s a model that’s ripe for an upgrade to meet 2020s expectations, especially when it comes to DCC functionality. Its absence from the Bachmann catalogue in recent years suggests it may be something that’s ‘in the works’.

I’d venture that it would be a worthy investment to tool up for the ‘Meridian’ bodyshell and interiors too, offering much greater choice for customers, in terms of geographical coverage and potential colour schemes. The ‘222s’ have carried original Midland Mainline and Hull Trains liveries, along with the Stagecoach-inspired East Midlands Trains scheme and the more recent East Midlands Railway purple.

There’s also the option of offering the Class 222 in various formations, perhaps as a four-car set with optional extra cars available individually to allow five, seven, eight and nine-car formations to be replicated. Bachmann could also maximise its investment by producing an ‘N’ gauge version too, under the Farish brand.

The use of ‘Meridians’ on the MML route may come to an end in the next few years, as they’re slated for replacement by Class 810 bi-mode units. The ‘222s’ are likely to find work elsewhere, which offers even more potential for new liveries in future.

Can I see a real one?

Yes, the entire Class 222 fleet still operates express services on the Midland Main Line between London St Pancras and Sheffield/ Leeds/nottingham, under the East Midlands Railway franchise.

Have your say

Do you agree with Clive’s argument? Join the debate on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/modelrail