I've travelled on quite a multiple units over the years and I've been coming up with an idea for a new multiple unit platform that is very flexible for the people who buy the trains. For example:
PART ONE - DESIGN
The train family, that I haven't named yet - please suggest some names if you want, is externally identical to the Class 332. An old design, yes, but I have modified it slightly.
The bogies are a new, lighter design but still with an outside frame to allow modifications like adding a tripcock to be easy. The BMMU and EMU are 4 coaches minimum with FLIRT-style diesel coach (which people can walk through) in between the 2nd and 3rd coach. On the DMU version, the train has a minimum length of 2 passenger coaches. On the BMMU and EMU versions, the position and amount of pantographs will differ.
On a 4-coach EMU, the pantograph will be on the inside end of coach 3. This is the same on the BMMU. On the DMU, there will be no pantograph but there will be a recess for it to go in the usual place, as well as all the space for electrical equipment. This is so that an operator can quickly make their DMU into an EMU by adding the required electrical equipment and removing the diesel engine coach. Third rail shoes can be added. The diesel engine coach will be like the FLIRT design. The carriages will have bogies between the coaches - an articulated design.
The trains can both have walkthrough gangways at the end of the trains or normal, flat ends. This is chosen by the buyer.
Exterior colour scheme by default would be grey with a red skirt and doors. The roof can either be the body colour (like on the Class 375s) or grey (useful on darker liveries to lower chances of air conditioning failing). The front of the train can be both yellow or a different colour - by default it would be matte black.
PART TWO - ENGINES AND STUFF
Currently I have not figured out a power system. However, I do know what I'd like them to sound like
For electric, I'd quite like it to sound like a Class 385, maybe with a hint of Class 373.
For diesel, I'd like it to sound meaty and intimidating - like a Valenta or a 170 or a Bugatti Chiron.
PART THREE - INTERIOR
While the operator will have a large say in the interior, they can choose from one of my 'presets', if you'd call it that.
PIS displays will be on the front and can either be in the centre of the coaches (window 3 between the doors) or on windows 1 and 5 between the doors.
CONCLUSION
I hope you like this concept. If anybody has any name suggestions for it, please feel free to tell me. I was thinking of 'Revenge' but telling a passenger they're getting on the Revenge train probably won't work very well.
- Electrostars can be great for all lengths of journeys but suffer from a low top speed and very 'playful' suspension.
- Diesel Desiros are very nice inside, but suffer from massive overcrowding and high fuel consumption.
- Voyagers are good trains with a nice top speed when maintained well, but the tilting ones suffer from a cramped interior and in some locations very shaky, like all DMUs with underfloor engines.
PART ONE - DESIGN
The train family, that I haven't named yet - please suggest some names if you want, is externally identical to the Class 332. An old design, yes, but I have modified it slightly.
The bogies are a new, lighter design but still with an outside frame to allow modifications like adding a tripcock to be easy. The BMMU and EMU are 4 coaches minimum with FLIRT-style diesel coach (which people can walk through) in between the 2nd and 3rd coach. On the DMU version, the train has a minimum length of 2 passenger coaches. On the BMMU and EMU versions, the position and amount of pantographs will differ.
On a 4-coach EMU, the pantograph will be on the inside end of coach 3. This is the same on the BMMU. On the DMU, there will be no pantograph but there will be a recess for it to go in the usual place, as well as all the space for electrical equipment. This is so that an operator can quickly make their DMU into an EMU by adding the required electrical equipment and removing the diesel engine coach. Third rail shoes can be added. The diesel engine coach will be like the FLIRT design. The carriages will have bogies between the coaches - an articulated design.
The trains can both have walkthrough gangways at the end of the trains or normal, flat ends. This is chosen by the buyer.
Exterior colour scheme by default would be grey with a red skirt and doors. The roof can either be the body colour (like on the Class 375s) or grey (useful on darker liveries to lower chances of air conditioning failing). The front of the train can be both yellow or a different colour - by default it would be matte black.
PART TWO - ENGINES AND STUFF
Currently I have not figured out a power system. However, I do know what I'd like them to sound like
For electric, I'd quite like it to sound like a Class 385, maybe with a hint of Class 373.
For diesel, I'd like it to sound meaty and intimidating - like a Valenta or a 170 or a Bugatti Chiron.
PART THREE - INTERIOR
While the operator will have a large say in the interior, they can choose from one of my 'presets', if you'd call it that.
- Inner Metro: Quantum L100 Triple seats with lino flooring.
- Outer Metro/Inner Suburban: Same as Inner Metro but instead has Quantum L100 Double seats.
- Outer Suburban: Quantum M101 seats with carpet and lino at the doors.
- Express/Long Distance: Quantum M104 seats with headrest upgrade and extra cushioning. Same flooring as the Outer Suburban version.
PIS displays will be on the front and can either be in the centre of the coaches (window 3 between the doors) or on windows 1 and 5 between the doors.
CONCLUSION
I hope you like this concept. If anybody has any name suggestions for it, please feel free to tell me. I was thinking of 'Revenge' but telling a passenger they're getting on the Revenge train probably won't work very well.
Also nobody suggest Doomostar.
Last edited:
