The bi-mode train that narrowly avoided a high-speed collision
In short: Modern rail engineering often balances power with accessibility. The British Rail Class 755 achieves this by housing its heavy diesel engines in a dedicated central 'power pack.' This unique layout allows for an unusually low floor, but it also created a technical vulnerability that nearly caused a disaster.
Stadler Rail engineered the Class 755 bi-mode multiple unit specifically for Greater Anglia. To swap out old diesel fleets throughout East Anglia, these FLIRT modular family trains were purchased during 2016. They are engineered to run on both overhead electric lines and diesel power, making them versatile for regional routes like the Bittern Line or inter-city journeys to London Liverpool Street.
A defining technical feature of the Class 755 is its 'power pack' vehicle located near the center of the train. This specific module houses a maximum of four generators and Deutz V8 diesel engines measuring 16 litres. By concentrating the heavy machinery in the middle, engineers were able to design a lower floor than standard British trains. This facilitates step-free boarding for wheelchair and pushchair users at standard-height platforms, though it requires an unusual layout where only the outermost bogies carry traction motors.
This innovation faced a critical test on November 24, 2019. While traveling at 45 mph near New Rackheath, a Class 755 unit encountered a level crossing where barriers lifted prematurely due to track contamination. The train was unable to stop in time, narrowly avoiding a collision with cars by less than half a second. This incident led to significant safety overhauls, including the removal of flange lubricators and a rewrite of the train's computer programs regarding sand application for wheel-slides.
Despite these early teething issues and initial authorization delays in 2019, the Class 755 has proven highly resilient. During 2021 and 2022, the title of most reliable diesel multiple unit was awarded to it. Locally, it has even earned the affectionate nickname 'Basils' from passengers who use the line regularly.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: British Rail Class 755
- Also: Wikidata — British Rail Class 755 · CC0
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