| "Polaris" | |
|---|---|
| In service | From 2012 tbc |
| Manufacturer | Chinese Sourced Railway Equipment (CSRE) |
| Formation | various |
| Operator | Unknown |
| Line(s) served | Unknown |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | Power car: 19.63 m (64 ft 5 in) Coaches: 23.70 m (77 ft 9 in)[1] |
| Width | 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) |
| Doors | End - Plug |
| Maximum speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Acceleration | Maximum: 0.8 ms-2[1] |
| Deceleration | Normal 1.0 ms-2 Emergency 2.0 ms-2 |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV 50 Hz AC[1] |
| Current collection method | Overhead |
| Bogies | Tilt enabled |
| Braking system(s) | Electro-pneumatic control (with electric regenerative brakes)[1] |
| Safety system(s) |
Combined Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) |
| Coupling system | Dellner |
| Multiple working | Capable |
| Gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
The Polaris is a design of locomotive-hauled train manufactured by Chinese Sourced Railway Equipment (CSRE).[2] The train is inspired by the British Rail InterCity 125 (HST), and has a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).[3][1] The loco hauled trains will have two power cars and will be compatible with British Rail Mark 3 coaches.[3] The power cars will either be Diesel electric, electric and electro-diesel,[3] making it suitable for use across the whole British railway network. CSRE also offer a Electric multiple unit (EMU) type of Polaris called the Polaris E.[4]
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According to the Managing Director of CSRE, David Shipley, there has been interest from a number of train operating companies, and the Polaris will be operating in the UK by 2012.[3] Grand Central Railway planned to introduce some Polaris trains in 2010,[5] but has not yet announced an order; presently it operates a mixture of Class 43 locomotives with Mark 3 coaches and Class 180 multiple units.
Alliance Rail Holdings, an open access operator, aims to use 17 Polaris trainsets on a number of services starting in late 2013, although the deal has not yet been finalised.[6][7]
The train will have Wi-fi installed, 2+1 seating in first class and 2+2 in standard. Trains will have a buffet car, electric screens and five toilets (two accessible) per 6 car rake.[3][1]
It is planned that the parts will be built in China and the trains will be assembled in the UK possibly in the North East or Liverpool.