The Turbostar: How a Versatile British Train Became a Regional Rail Workhorse

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Designed in the late 1990s, the British Rail Class 170 Turbostar has become a staple of regional travel. Built at Derby Litchurch Lane Works, these diesel-hydraulic units have been operated by numerous franchises, proving their adaptability across diverse routes, from Scottish express services to commuter lines across England and Wales.

The Class 170 Turbostar emerged in May 1999 as a successor to the earlier Networker Turbo designs. Manufactured by Adtranz and later Bombardier Transportation, the fleet of 139 units features an aluminium alloy frame and MTU diesel engines. Unlike some predecessors, the Class 170 relies on under-body Voith transmission and ZF final drives, with every coach in a set providing power to the wheels.

The train's history is defined by constant reconfiguration. Operators have frequently swapped units to meet changing demand, leading to the creation of six distinct sub-classes. These variations primarily involve seating layouts, which can accommodate between 100 and 200 passengers in three-car formations. Because of these interior differences, individual units can vary in weight by up to two tonnes. Compatibility has also been a technical hurdle; while they can work in multiple with 15X-series Sprinters, they cannot operate with 16X-series units due to incompatible wiring.

The fleet's operational footprint has shifted dramatically over two decades. ScotRail once held the largest fleet, peaking at 59 sets, but electrification and the introduction of newer rolling stock have seen many units cascaded to other operators like East Midlands Railway, which currently manages the largest fleet. Others have been converted into Class 171 units for Southern, featuring different couplers to allow for emergency coupling with Class 377 trains. Even today, the Turbostar remains a dynamic asset, with ongoing mid-life refurbishments—such as the 2025 CrossCountry update—ensuring these trains remain relevant for modern passengers.

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