Networker (train)
| Networker | |
|---|---|
|
|
| In service | 1990–present |
| Manufacturer | BREL, ABB, GEC Alsthom |
| Number built | 344 trainsets |
| Operator(s) |
Chiltern Railways Great Northern First Great Western Southeastern |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 75–100 mph (121–161 km/h) |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The Networker is a family of trains which operate on the UK railway system. They were built in the late 1980s and early 1990s by BREL (which became part of ABB in the 1990s). The trains were built for the Network SouthEast sector of British Rail, which is how they get their name. They are all multiple-unit trains.
The Networker design was to become effectively the third generation of British Rail multiple units, and was originally intended to become one of the largest families of trains, bigger even than the largely Mark 3-based Second Generation. The design was supposed to cover all requirements for future NSE multiple units; however, the poor state of the economy in the early 1990s prevented this from happening.
Subsequently Bombardier Transportation used the Networker as the basis for its successful post-privatisation Turbostar and Electrostar units, having obtained the design through its acquisition of ADtranz which had absorbed ABB.
The trains were built as a result of electrification not being possible on the lines out of the London terminals, Marylebone and Paddington.
Since the privatisation of British Rail, many of the new train operating companies have purchased Turbostar trains from Bombardier Transportation (formerly ADtranz), which are derived from the Networker-turbo design.
The Class 165 is a 2 and 3 car Diesel multiple unit (DMU), built for outer suburban workings. Upon privatisation, Chiltern Railways and Thames Trains operated the class. Chiltern still uses the class, whilst Thames Trains have been replaced by First Great Western Link, and in turn First Great Western. The Class 165/0 batch are one of the few units in Britain to have ATP installed. 76 units of the class were built between 1990 and 1992.
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