British Rail Class 230
| British Rail Class 230 "D-Train" | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer |
Metro Cammell Vivarail (conversion) |
| Constructed | 1979–1983 Converted: 2015– |
| Number built | 1 trainset (2nd half complete) |
| Formation | 2 or 3 cars per trainset |
| Fleet numbers | 230001-230002 |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Car length |
Driving Motor: 18.37 m (60 ft 3 in) Other: 18.12 m (59 ft 5 in) |
| Width | 2.85 m (9 ft 4 in) |
| Maximum speed | 60 mph (97 km/h) |
| Prime mover(s) | Ford Duratorq |
| Power output | 400 hp (300 kW) per car |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS |
The British Rail Class 230 or D-train is a diesel electric multiple unit being built by Vivarail for the British rail network. The units are being converted from , first built in 1980 by Metro Cammell.
It is proposed to run 75 units of two or three cars per unit. They will become known as Class 230 under TOPS. A prototype was produced for testing and accreditation in August 2015, and the type was planned to enter passenger service in 2016. They were to be tested in mainline service on the Coventry to Nuneaton Line.
In November 2014, Vivarail purchased 150 driving motor cars and 300 carriages of , which were being replaced by ahead of their lifespan, so that the subsurface lines (Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan) could have a common rolling stock fleet compatible with a new ATO system. The stated purpose of the D-train is to ameliorate a perceived shortage of affordable, modern rolling stock on Britain's regional rail routes, resulting from the slow pace of electrification.
In the conversion programme, the company plans to re-use the aluminium bodyshells, traction motors and bogies from the D78 units, and fit them out with new diesel engines and interiors. Rail Magazine reports that each power car will have two underfloor engine-generator sets. The 3.2 litre, five cylinder diesel engines will be made by Ford in South Africa. Vivarail claims that fuel consumption will be around 0.5 litre per car per mile. This is about half the fuel consumption of a Pacer. Maximum speed will be 60 mph (97 km/h).
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