British Rail Class 171
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| British Rail Class 171 "Turbostar" | |
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 Southern Class 171/8, no. 171802 on display at the York Railfest exhibition on 3 June 2004. |
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| In service | 1998 - Present |
| Manufacturer | ADtranz / Bombardier |
| Family name | Turbostar |
| Number built | 16 trainsets |
| Formation | 2/4 cars per trainset |
| Operator | Southern |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum speed | 100mph |
| Engine | MTU 6R 183TD |
| Safety systems | AWS, TPWS |
The Class 171 "Turbostar" is a type of DMU operated by Southern. The Class 171 is identical to the Class 170, except for the replacement of the BSI coupler with a Dellner coupler. This provision was made in order to allow emergency joining with Class 377 DC third-rail electric units.
These trains have electronic automated station announcements and onboard displays unlike their predecessors.
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[edit] Operators
[edit] Southern
Southern (previously named South Central) acquired an initial fleet of six 2-car Class 170/7 and six 4-car Class 171/8 units, to replace its ageing Class 205 and Class 207 "Thumper" fleet. The first units were introduced in 2003 on Ashford to Hastings "Marshlink Line" (now running further to Brighton). Later services on the Oxted to Uckfield branch of the Oxted Line were also transferred to Turbostar operation. The final services from London Bridge to Uckfield went over to Turbostar operation in late 2004.
The Southern fleet are fitted with coupling devices (Dellner) different from other Turbostars, and are classified as Class 171 for this reason. The four-car units were built with the new couplers, but the two car units were fitted at a later date, and reclassified as Class 171/7. Three more two-car units were later acquired, but these were built from new with the new couplers.
Southern has recently gained 170392 from South West Trains. The coupler on this unit has also been changed to the Dellner type. The unit has been reclassified and renumbered from 170392 to 171730. Ironically this unit was first delivered carrying Southern livery and the number 170727. It never operated in this form and transferred to South West Trains where it became 170392.
[edit] Fleet details
| Class | Operator | No. Built | Year Built | Cars per Set | Unit nos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 171/7 | Southern | 10 | 2003-2004 | 2 | 171 721-730 |
| Class 171/8 | Southern | 6 | 2004 | 4 | 171 801-806 |
[edit] Gallery
 A Southern class 171 |
 Two Southern 2 car class 171s at Rye station |
 Class 171 at Hurst Green railway station |
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