Polaris (train)
The Polaris was a design of locomotive-hauled train designed in concept form by CSRE Ltd. The train was inspired by the British Rail InterCity 125 (HST), and was intended to have a top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).[1][2] The locomotive hauled trains would have had two power cars and been compatible with British Rail Mark 3 coaches.[2] The power cars would have either been diesel electric, electric and electro-diesel,[2] making the design suitable for use across the whole British railway network. CSRE also proposed an Electric multiple unit (EMU) type of Polaris called the Polaris E.[3]
| "Polaris" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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) Advanced Warning System (AWS) Driver’s Safety Device (DSD) Driver Reminder Appliance (DRA) |
| Coupling system | Dellner |
| Multiple working | Capable |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) |
The Polaris concept will now not be taken to market, having been replaced indirectly by the Intercity Express Programme.
Potential orders
According to the managing director of CSRE, David Shipley, there was interest from a number of train operating companies, and the Polaris were planned to be operating in the UK by 2012. This will now be no longer happening. Grand Central planned to introduce some Polaris trains in 2010, but did not announce an order; presently it operates a fleet of British Rail Class 180 multiple units.[4]
Alliance Rail Holdings, an open access operator, aimed to use 17 Polaris trainsets on a number of services starting in late 2013, although the deal was not finalised.
See also
References
- CSRE: Polaris data sheet Accessed 2 October 2010
- Rail Magazine Issue 653, 22 September – 5 October 2010, pp. 56–60
- Rail Magazine Issue 659, 15–28 December 2010, Back cover
- "Our trains | Grand Central". www.grandcentralrail.com. Retrieved 17 April 2018.