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British Rail  DEMU Class 220 VOYAGER Bombardier

High speed express train diesel-electric multiple units

high speed DMUs, max. speed 125 mph

A history of the Class 220 DEMUs

The original Class 220 Voyager units were built by Bombardier Bruge/Wakefield 2000-2001

Contemporary and Heritage-Preserved, Diesel, Diesel-Electric and Electric Locomotives

Class 220 DMUs featured: 222001 220004 220005 220007 220012 220017 220018 220019 220023 220026 220029 220032 220033

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[Author and photographer © Dr WP Brown PhD (plus 'DocsPics' help from AI these days), page updated May 9th 2026]

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Class 800 bi-mode multiple units

Blaby Road Bridge, southwest of Leicester, Class 220 express DMU 220007 with an EMR service from Sheffield to London London (May 10th 2022)

Blaby Road Bridge, southwest of Leicester, Class 220 express DMU 220007 with an EMR service from Sheffield to London (May 10th 2022)

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The rear of Class 220 express DMU 220023 with an EMR service from London t

The rear of Class 220 express DMU 220023 with an EMR service from London to Sheffield (May 10th 2022), Blaby Road Bridge, Wigston, southwest of Leicester

 

A pair of unidentified Class 220s with the 0615 CrossCountry service from Bristol Temple Meads to Edinburgh trainspotting Colton Junction footbridge

A pair of unidentified Class 220s with the 0615 CrossCountry service from Bristol Temple Meads to Edinburgh, Colton Junction footbridge (July 11th, 2020)

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First in the class diesel-electric Class 220 DMU 220001 at York station with a CrossCountry Edinburgh to Penzance service train.

 

Class 220 Voyager 4-coach DMU 220018 leaving York Station with an Edinburgh - Reading CrossCountry passenger service (July 10th 2016)

 

Class 220 222026 (4-carriage set) CrossCountry services from Edinburgh to Exeter, speeding south of Northallerton (June 2015)

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Class 220 express DMU (2 x 4 car sets) 220004 entering Newcastle station with an Edinburgh to Plymouth CrossCountry service (above) Class 220 DMU set 220023 in the rear.

 

Class 220 express DMU (Class 220 220006, 220 006 set) leaving York northwards with a CrossCountry service from the West Country to Newcastle

 

Class 220 unit 220019 approaching Northallerton station with southbound CrossCountry train for Exeter.

 

Class 220 DMU 220007 at York station with a CrossCountry service from Plymouth to Edinburgh

 

A 2 x 4 car train headed by Class 220 express DMU 005 (220005) on an Edinburgh to Exeter St David's train, south of York at Colton Junction.

 

Profile of Class 220 driving cab carriage 60418 of a Class 220 4-car high speed DMU 220018 (CrossCountry livery, York, Feb 2014)

 

Profile of Class 220 carriage 60218 of a Class 220 4-car high speed DMU 220018 (CrossCountry livery, York, Feb 2014)

 

Profile of Class 220 carriage 60718 of a Class 220 4-car high speed DMU 220018 (CrossCountry livery, York, Feb 2014)

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Class 220 express DMU 220029 at Newcastle Station with a CrossCountry train service to Reading.

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High speed CrossCountry train heading north, south of York, Class 220 unit 018 (DMU 220018).

 

Cross-Country train Class 220 220017 (220 017) at York Station, these connect the North-East of England and Scotland with the Midlands (eg Birmingham, Sheffield) and South-West of England (eg Cheltenham, Bristol, Plymouth, Penzance)

The Class 220 Voyager are a class of diesel-electric high-speed multiple-unit trains built by Bombardier Transportation between 2000 and 2001.

 

Virgin Cross-Country train standing in York Station.

 

Express passenger 4-car DMU CrossCountry train Class 220 arriving in York with a train from Edinburgh.

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The magnificent setting of Bristol Temple Meads Station, on the right a Class 220 high-speed DMU and on the left a Class 150 DMU

 

Class 220 DMU unit 220017 approaching Northallerton station with a CrossCountry express service train from Edinburgh to Exeter.

 

CrossCountry high speed diesel multiple unit Class 220 207 (4-car DMU 220207) waiting in Manchester Piccadilly with a train for Exeter St David's.

 

Class 220 DMU 220012 (220 012), grey and pink livery of Cross Country trains

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Class 220 007 (4-car DMU 220007) passing by Thirsk Station

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A Class 220 express 4-car DMU (220033) CrossCountry train from Newcastle Station to Reading.

 

Class 220 032 (4-car DMU 220032) train passing south through Northallerton station at high speed

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Class 220/221 DMU approaching York station with a CrossCountry service from Plymouth to Glasgow Central (April 2018)

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A history of Class 220 DEMUs

The Class 220 “Voyager” units were the first of Britain’s modern high‑speed diesel‑electric multiple units (DEMUs), built 2000–2001 by Bombardier as part of a major post‑privatisation intercity fleet renewal.
They introduced a new generation of 125 mph diesel trains and formed the basis for the later Class 221 Super Voyager and Class 222 Meridian families.

Below is a full, structured, deeply detailed history—aligned with your interest in technical lineage, comparative evolution, and long‑term operational context.

Overview of the Class 220 DEMUs

The Class 220 is a diesel‑electric intercity DEMU designed for long‑distance, high‑speed cross‑country services.
They were the first British trains to use:

  • Distributed diesel‑electric traction (one engine per car)

  • Modern crashworthy monocoque bodyshells

  • Air‑conditioned, sealed‑gangway intercity interiors

They replaced a mix of ageing stock including HSTs, Class 47‑hauled trains, and Class 158s.

1. Origins and Procurement of the Class 220 DEMUs (1997–1999)

Why they were ordered

After privatisation, Virgin CrossCountry inherited a fleet that was:

  • Old

  • Inconsistent

  • Unreliable

  • Not suited to high‑frequency, high‑speed intercity operations

Virgin’s “Operation Princess” plan required:

  • A fully modern, standardised fleet

  • High acceleration for frequent stops

  • 125 mph capability

  • Reduced maintenance and turnaround times

Contract award of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • Ordered: 1998

  • Builder: Bombardier Transportation

  • Platform: Voyager family (shared with Class 221 and later Class 222)

2. Construction and Design of the Class 220 DEMUs (2000–2001)

Build details

  • Factory: Bombardier Bruges, Belgium

  • Years built: 2000–2001

  • Total units: 34 four‑car sets (220001–220034)

Key design features of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • Monocoque steel/aluminium bodyshell

  • Cummins QSK19 diesel engines (750 hp per car)

  • AC traction motors

  • Dellner couplers

  • Sealed gangways (unlike Class 221)

Differences from Class 221

  • No tilt system

  • Lighter

  • Simpler bogies

  • Slightly better fuel economy

  • Lower maintenance burden

The Class 220 is essentially the “baseline” Voyager; the 221 is the tilt‑equipped, heavy‑duty variant.

3. Entry Into Service of the Class 220 DEMUs (2001–2002)

  • First unit delivered: 2001

  • First passenger service: September 2001

  • Full fleet in service: 2002

They replaced:

  • HSTs

  • Class 47 + Mk2 sets

  • Class 158s on long‑distance routes

4. Operational History of the Class 220 DEMUs

A. Virgin CrossCountry (2001–2007)

The Class 220s became the backbone of the CrossCountry network, operating:

  • Bournemouth–Manchester

  • Plymouth–Edinburgh

  • Reading–Newcastle

  • Birmingham–Scotland

  • South Coast–North East services

They were heavily used and often overcrowded due to their 4‑car formation.

B. CrossCountry (Arriva) (2007–present)

When the franchise changed hands in 2007, all Class 220s transferred to Arriva CrossCountry.
They continue to operate:

  • South West–North East axis

  • Birmingham–Manchester

  • Birmingham–Bristol–Plymouth

  • Birmingham–Edinburgh/Glasgow

Operational issues of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • Limited capacity (4‑car sets)

  • No tilt, so slower on WCML compared to Class 221

  • High engine noise

  • Air‑conditioning failures in hot weather

Despite this, they remain reliable and fast.

5. Technical Characteristics of the Class 220 DEMUs

Power and traction of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • 4 × Cummins QSK19 engines (one per car)

  • 750 hp per engine

  • Total power: 3,000 hp

  • Transmission: Diesel‑electric (AC traction motors)

  • Top speed: 125 mph (200 km/h)

Formation of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • 4‑car sets: DMSL – MS – MS – DMSL

Braking of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • Electro‑pneumatic

  • Rheostatic

Coupling of the Class 220 DEMUs

  • Dellner automatic

  • Can couple with Class 221 (but not Class 222)

6. Refurbishments of the Class 220 DEMUs

2008–2010

  • New seat covers

  • Improved lighting

  • Accessibility upgrades

2018–2021

  • Full interior refresh

  • New carpets, tables, power sockets

  • Wi‑Fi upgrades

  • New CrossCountry livery

7. Fleet Changes and Reallocations of the Class 220 DEMUs

Unlike the Class 221 and 222, the Class 220 fleet has remained intact and with a single operator since introduction.
No units have been scrapped or transferred.

8. Future and Withdrawal Plans of the Class 220 DEMUs

The Class 220s are expected to remain in service into the early–mid 2030s, but their long‑term future depends on:

  • Decarbonisation policy

  • Potential electrification of key CrossCountry routes

  • Replacement by bi‑mode or battery‑hybrid intercity units

No firm withdrawal date has been announced.

9. Significance of the Class 220 DEMUs

The Class 220 is historically important because it was:

  • The first modern high‑speed DEMU in Britain

  • The foundation of the Voyager family

  • A key part of post‑privatisation fleet modernisation

  • The first UK intercity train with distributed diesel‑electric traction

  • A precursor to later DEMUs and bi‑modes

They also represent the last era of large‑scale diesel intercity procurement before electrification and bi‑mode fleets took over.

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docspics images of Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays photos of Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays photographs of Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays pictures of Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays © Dr Phil Brown * Treyn Railway Holidays to France, Italy and Spain from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays Booking tickets for Great Railway Journey luxury Rail Trip holidays Train travel in Europe Rail holidays from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays to the USA & Canada luxury train through the Rocky Mountain Canadian rail railway holidays through the Rockies US Cities by train from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays  Continental rail holidays to France Germany Italy Austria Switzerland Glacier Express Treyn Holidays from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays from Eurostar to Paris Brussels Avignon Turin Turino Rome Roma Florence Firenze TGV fast trains Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays Travelling by train always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery  to Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of Europe! The railway trip from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive in action and there is nothing like the sight and sounds of a steam train to invoke feelings of nostalgia in some of us to Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays even more luxury by having a special trip out on a steam dining train! England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland top class hotels in Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays dining out travel tours top tourist destinations tourist information on Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays weekend breaks mini-breaks family holidays restaurants touring coach trips from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays continental tours cruise ships pleasure cruises summer breaks spring breaks continental winter breaks European winter holidays spring holidays summer holidays European Rail tours Railway travel holidays special steam excursions from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains European Rail tours US and Canadian Railway travel holidays special steam excursions to Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays A great steam heritage line and offers luxury Pullman coach dining trains Travelling by train from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays always seems a pleasure, especially if through wonderful scenery either in England, Scotland, Wales or on holiday in the rest of the railways of Europe! The railway trip involves seeing or travelling behind a 'real' steam locomotive or heritage diesel in action on a special trip from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets Stuttgart Brussels Eurostar Brussels from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays by TGV to Ebbsfleet International, Ashford International Stratford International, St Pancras International Paris Gare du Nord Paris Gare de Lyon Paris Gare de L'est Paris Gare Montparnasse by Eurostar from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays London to Paris, Eurostar London - Brussels Eurostar London to Lille deals bargain city breaks Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays Great Railway Journey holidays in Italy, Spain and France by TGV booking from Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays Booking Eurostar Continental Rail Travel Tour Tickets to the Continent  eg Paris Brussels Avignon or railway tours across France, Holland, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia, Asia or China for a travel spectacular Class 220 DMU rail tour holidays

Good trainspotting 'TRAINSPOTS' Good trainspotting and photographic locations  Barnetby Station, North Lincolnshire  *  Carlisle Station  *  Clapham Junction Station, London  *  Colton Junction, south of York  * Coventry *  Crewe Station  *  Doncaster Station, South Yorkshire  * Grantham * Hellifield station - Carlisle to Settle line * Lancaster station  * Leicester station * Newcastle Station  *  Northallerton Station  *  Nuneaton Station  * Peterborough *  Sheffield Station  *  Stratford Station, East London * Tamworth * Warrington Bank Quay station * Wigan North Western - WCML *  York Station

See other TOPS classes of diesels and electrics * Class 01 * Class 02 * Class 03 * Class 04 * Class 08 * Class 09 * Class 10 * Class 11 * Class 14 * Class 20 * Class 24 * Class 25 * Class 26 * Class 27 * Class 31 * Class 33 * Class 35 * Class 37 * Class 40 * Class 43 * Class 44 * Class 45 * Class 47 * Class 50 * Class 52 * Class 55 * Class 56 * Class 57 * Class 58 *  Class 60 * Class 66 * Class 67 * Class 68 * Class 70 * Class 71 * Class 73 * Class 76 * Class 77 *  Class 84 * Class 86 * Class 87 * Class 88 * Class 90 * Class 91 * Class 92 * Derby Lightweight * Class 101 * Class 108 * Class 114 * Class 117 * Class 120 * Class 121 * Class 122 * Class 127 * Class 141 * Class 142 * Class 144 * Class 150 * Class 153 * Class 155 * Class 156 * Class 158 * Class 159 * Class 165 * Class 166 * Class 170 * Class 172 * Class 175 * Class 180 * Class 185 * Class 195  * Class 196 * Class 197 * Class 220 * Class 221 * Class 222 * Class 252 * Class 313 * Class 315 * Class 317 * Class 319 * Class 320 * Class 321 * Class 322 * Class 323 * Class 325 * Class 331 * Class 332 * Class 333 * Class 334 * Class 350 * Class 357 * Class 360 * Class 365 * Class 373 * Class 375 * Class 376 * Class 377 * Class 378 * Class 379 * Class 380 * Class 387 * Class 390 * Class 395 * Class 414 * Class 423 * Class 442 * Class 444 * Class 450 * Class 455 * Class 458 * Class 460 * Class 465 * Class 466 * Class 489 * Class 507/508 * Class 700 * Class 730  * Class 755 * Class 800 * Class 801 * Class 802 * Class 803 *  Class 805 * Class 3000 *

INDEX of My IMAGES OF PRESERVED STEAM LOCOMOTIVES

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