The British Rail Class 755 is a class of bi-mode multiple unit passenger train built by Stadler Rail for Greater Anglia. Part of the FLIRT (Fast Light Innovative Regional Train) modular train grouping, the trains first entered service on 29 July 2019, and are used on regional and local services throughout East Anglia as well as for inter-city services between and .
History
In August 2016, Greater Anglia was awarded the East Anglia franchise with a commitment to replace all of the existing fleet with modern trains; an order was placed with Stadler Rail for 38 bi-mode multiple units from the FLIRT grouping.Stadler and Bombardier to supply trains for Abellio East Anglia franchise Railway Gazette International 10 August 2016 The order was financed by rolling stock company (ROSCO) Rock Rail. These new trains were classified as Class 755. The order was made up of 14 three-car 755/3 sets and 24 four-car 755/4 sets, intended to replace the diesel , and fleets. Alongside the related electric multiple units of , the units are maintained at Norwich's Crown Point TMD.
The plan was for the units to be assigned to Greater Anglia's more local and regional routes throughout Norfolk and Suffolk, which include the Wherry Lines and the Bittern Line; the units would also be assigned to services on the Breckland Line, Ipswich–Ely line, the Felixstowe and Sudbury branch lines. Compared with the diesel multiple units they replaced, the 755s have more seats, mains and USB sockets, faster wi-fi, air conditioning and improved passenger information systems. The floor is lower than usual because the trains have power-packs to contain the diesel generators, providing better accessibility to wheelchair and pushchair users.
Operation
The first unit was delivered in November 2018, which gave an initial entry into service date planned for May 2019. By May 2019, the trains had not been authorised to enter service yet and instead were given a service date for the end of June or beginning of July. Following this, the trains were authorised to enter service on 30 May 2019 by the Office of Rail and Road and they did so by 29 July 2019.
As more units gradually entered service, Greater Anglia was able to withdraw all of its older second-generation diesel multiple-unit trains in favour of the 755s.East Anglia franchise agreement Department for Transport, 23 August 2016, pages 177, 178"The New Face of Rail in Anglia" Modern Railways issue 818, November 2016, page 12 The delay in all units entering service was caused by some initial multiple faults. Despite this, the Class 755 was named the most reliable diesel multiple unit in both 2021 and 2022.
The train has been nicknamed "Basils" by people living on the routes that the Class 755 operates on.
Technical details Class 755 units have three or four passenger vehicles, along with a separate "power pack" vehicle, near to the centre of the unit that can be fitted with up to four Deutz 16-litre V8 diesel engines and generators. Class 755/4 units have four engines, while 755/3 units have two (mounted diagonally opposite each other).
All vehicles are linked by unpowered Jacobs bogies, while the outermost bogie at each end of each unit carries the traction motors. The unusual layout for a British train allows a lower than normal floor level, enabling step-free boarding at standard-height platforms. Pantographs are mounted on the intermediate cars.
Accidents and incidents New Rackheath On 24 November 2019, unit 755416 was approaching a level crossing at New Rackheath, in Norfolk, at when the barriers lifted as the train was from the crossing; cars started crossing in front of the train. The driver of 755416 initiated an emergency brake application, but the train was unable to stop until it was beyond the level crossing. A collision was avoided by less than half a second.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch opened an investigation into the incident. In response, Greater Anglia imposed a temporary speed restriction over six level crossings on the Bittern Line. The cause of the incident was contamination of the track interfering with detection of the train by track circuits. The equipment had been set to open the crossing 16 seconds after a loss of signal.
As a result of the incident, flange lubricators were removed from the class. The equipment operating the level crossing was reset to open the level crossing 99 seconds after a loss of signal and computer program on the train was rewritten to remove a ten-second delay in the application of sand in the event of wheelslide. The frequency of Rail Head Treatment Trains over the Bittern Line was increased from weekdays only to daily during the autumn.
Reedham and Haddiscoe On 30 January 2022, unit 755331 became stranded between and , due to damaged track on the Haddiscoe Cut section of the Wherry Lines. Five passengers aboard the unit at the time were evacuated safely. Following repairs, the line was reopened on 5 February.
Fleet details SubclassOperatorQty.Year builtPassenger carsUnit nos.755/3Greater Anglia142018–20203755325–755338755/4244755401–755424
Illustration
Special liveries and named units The following units have received names or special liveries: Unit numberNameNotes Named trains755414 Lest We Forget Poppy livery Special liveries755421 Pride livery
See also - A diesel multiple unit variant of the Stadler FLIRT UK platform, built for Transport for Wales - An electric multiple unit variant of the Stadler FLIRT UK platform, also built for Greater Anglia - A tri-mode multiple unit variant of the Stadler FLIRT UK platform, built for Transport for Wales.
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