British Rail Class 756

Tri-mode multiple-unit passenger train From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

British Rail Class 756

The British Rail Class 756 FLIRT[7] is a class of tri-mode multiple units built for Transport for Wales Rail by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail. They are closely related to the Class 755 bi-mode units delivered by Stadler to Greater Anglia between 2018 and 2020, which can be powered either by overhead electric lines or on-board diesel generators. The Class 756 units also carry batteries as an additional source of traction power.[8]

Quick Facts British Rail Class 756 FLIRT, In service ...
British Rail Class 756
FLIRT
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Class 756 unit at Aberdare in November 2024
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Interior
In service15 November 2024-Present[1]
ManufacturerStadler Rail
AssemblyStadler Bussnang AG
Built atBussnang, Switzerland[2]
Family nameFLIRT
Replaced
Constructed2021–2023[3]
Number built24[1]
(7 × 756/0, 17 × 756/1)
Formation
  • 3-car units:[a]
  • DMS-PP-PTSW-DMS
  • 4-car units:[a]
  • DMS-PTS-PP-PTSW-DMS
Fleet numbers
  • 756/0: 756001–756007
  • 756/1: 756101–756117[3]
Capacity
  • 3-car: 118 seats,
    plus 24 tip-up & 148 standees
  • 4-car: 158 seats,
    plus 32 tip-up & 204 standees
OwnersSMBC Leasing[4]
OperatorsTransport for Wales Rail
DepotsCanton (Cardiff)
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
Train length
  • 3-car: 65.0 m (213 ft 3 in)
  • 4-car: 80.7 m (264 ft 9 in)
Width
  • Passenger vehicles:
    2.720 m (8 ft 11.1 in)
  • Power Pack:
    2.822 m (9 ft 3.1 in)[5]
Height3.915 m (12 ft 10.1 in)
Floor height960 mm (3 ft 2 in)
DoorsDouble-leaf sliding plug, each 1.300 m (4 ft 3.2 in) wide
(total 5 per side per 3-car, 7 per side per 4-car)
Wheel diameter
  • Powered: 870 mm (34 in)
  • Unpowered: 760 mm (30 in)
WheelbaseBogies: 2.700 m (8 ft 10.3 in)
Maximum speed75 mph (121 km/h)
Traction systemIGBT
Power output
  • On AC power:
  • 2,600 kW (3,500 hp)
  • On battery power:
  • 1,300 kW (1,700 hp)
  • On diesel power:
  • 480 kW (640 hp)
Tractive effortMaximum starting:
200 kN (45,000 lbf)
AccelerationMaximum starting:
1.1 m/s2 (2.5 mph/s)
Electric system(s)25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classification
  • 3-car: Bo′2′2′2′Bo′
  • 4-car: Bo′2′2′2′2′Bo′
Safety system(s)
Multiple workingWithin class (max. 2 units)
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Notes/references
Sourced from [6] unless otherwise noted.
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A total of 24 units were built, split between 7 three-car units and 17 four-car units.[1]

History

The Wales & Borders rail franchise, awarded to KeolisAmey Wales with effect from 14 October 2018, included a commitment requiring that the operator oversee a full fleet replacement during the franchise period.[9] As part of this process, KeolisAmey placed an order with Stadler in February 2019 for the 24 FLIRT tri-mode units that came to be designated Class 756. The tri-mode capabilities are intended to facilitate operations over lines that have only been partially electrified. Production of the fleet was underway by mid-2021.[2]

The Class 756 officially entered service on 18 November 2024, and for consecutive days,[10] after initially entering service on one previous day of 15 November 2024.[1]

Operators

Transport for Wales

Transport for Wales Rail Class 756 units currently operate services between Cardiff-Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff-Aberdare and Cardiff-Treherbert.[1]

It is expected that the Class 756 units will move across to the Rhymney Line from late 2025 as the Class 398 tram-trains enter service.[11]

Technical details

Class 756 units have three or four passenger vehicles, along with a separate "Power Pack" vehicle near the centre of the unit that contains a diesel generator set and three battery modules.[12] The diesel generator produces 480 kW (640 hp), while the batteries are capable of supplying up to 1,300 kW (1,700 hp).[6] All vehicles are linked by unpowered Jacobs bogies, while the outermost bogie at each end of each unit carries the traction motors.[6]

Fleet details

More information Subclass, Operator ...
Subclass Operator Qty. Year built Passenger cars Unit nos.[3]
756/0 Transport for Wales Rail 7 2021–2023 3 756001–756007
756/1 17 4 756101–756117
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Illustration

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Illustration of a four-car Class 756 unit (based on concept art)

See also

Notes

  1. The Power Pack is technically a fourth or fifth vehicle in these units, but as it contains no passenger accommodation it is excluded from the count of passenger cars.

References

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