Ex GC 221s to move to EMR

[liamf656]

EMR are to take on Voyagers 221142/143 on a short term basis from October 26th. It has been spoken about a lot recently and the recent tenders with Crosscountry left a lot of forum members feeling skeptical of this happening but it's been signed off today, so here's new thread for just that. Once EMR are finished with them they'll move to Crosscountry

Transport UK East Midlands Limited (EMR) intends to enter into a short-term operating hire of two Class 221 passenger rolling-stock units, including maintenance, technical support and daily fitness-to-run certification, for use on East Midlands Railway passenger services from 26 October 2026 to 28 February 2027.

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/097228-2026?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETF3c3NuanFJa3ZrdUlXeEFJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnKhCHyj4ZuIvZ0K917ugR3uSruHX0s1f1s2zm3okBRuy2htGftem-VBDbji_aem__GpP6BvU_dbBcO1CPLFz4A

 

[tfw756rider]

Crew training for just two units? As I don't think they can do the "222/9" trick

 

[A S Leib]

Just from a spotting perspective, that's slightly annoying. If the 221 photos I had already had been at Derby or Sheffield, I'd have been tempted not to bother; I can't imagine they'd get a new livery for EMR (or, indeed, a CrossCountry rather than GBR one?) so telling the difference wouldn't have really been possible.

 

[Russel]

Crew training for just two units?

Two units that will only be around for 5 months...

Let's hope Hitachi are paying for this and not the taxpayer.

 

[Rail2002]

EMR are to take on Voyagers 221142/143 on a short term basis from October 26th. It has been spoken about a lot recently and the recent tenders with Crosscountry left a lot of forum members feeling skeptical of this happening but it's been signed off today, so here's new thread for just that. Once EMR are finished with them they'll move to Crosscountry

https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/097228-2026?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAcGRvZgFicmlkETF3c3NuanFJa3ZrdUlXeEFJc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnKhCHyj4ZuIvZ0K917ugR3uSruHX0s1f1s2zm3okBRuy2htGftem-VBDbji_aem__GpP6BvU_dbBcO1CPLFz4A

Although similar, these units will not be compatible with Class 222, as they have different software.

There are differentials in the cab equipment too. For example, the speedometer is at a different angle to the Meridians. The Meridian was designed by Bombardier to have a different degree angle of speedometer to stop sunlight causing shine back.

From an Engineering point of view, I believe Voyagers carry more equipment in the roof area, rather than underfloor, as per the Meridians.

I believe train crew will require training on these units and also I believe, but could be wrong, that Voyagers have never worked to Saint Pancras, so would need to be cleared. They've worked to Paddington, Kensington Olympia, Gatwick and Croydon and obviously King's Cross & Euston but no other London terminal, as far as I am aware.

 

[liamf656]

Crew training for just two units? As I don't think they can do the "222/9" trick

It won't be as extensive as other traction as there are many similarities with the 222s. Also I presume not everyone will sign the 221s given their short stay

 

[D365]

I believe train crew will require training on these units and also I believe, but could be wrong, that Voyagers have never worked to Saint Pancras, so would need to be cleared. They've worked to Paddington, Kensington Olympia, Gatwick and Croydon and obviously King's Cross & Euston but no other London terminal, as far as I am aware.

Did Class 22x units ever appear at St Pancras during West Coast Main Line blockades?