Bombardier Swiftstar 250 / 400
*These trains are not real and do not exist IRL.
The Swiftstar 250 and Swiftstar 400 are modified Bombardier Electrostars, capable of achieving 250km/h and 400km/h respectively. The lightweight and cheap frame was used as a basis for the new, cheap, but high speed unit, with a weight to power ratio previously thought impossible, reducing running costs.
These trains are built to the UK loading gauge, meaning they can run anywhere in the country. To meet the needs of the entire country, the Swiftstar was split into 2 models, a 250km/h / 155mph, and a 400km/h / 250mph train.
The 250 is made up of 6 20m long coaches, (coupleable for 12coaches), designed for use on the WCML, ECML, GWML and to replace Javelins on the route to Margate and Dover via Ashford, so they cascaded units can boost capacity on the speed restricted (225km/h) Ramsgate via Faversham route. The trains feature tilting technology so they can be used on the West Coast Mainline to Glasgow, at an upgraded 250km/h line speed. Only the units used on HS1 have 3rd rail pickup shoes, for when standard Javelin stock is unavailable for the route. However all units have future dual voltage capability built into the design.
The 400 is made up of 5/10 25m long coaches, (couplable for 10/15/20coaches), designed primarily for use on HS2 and future high speed lines. It is capable of full 400km/h (250mph) operation to chieve full line speed on a upgraded HS2, and other future routes. Its flexibility in formation owes to being able to run long, dedicated High Speed trains, while still being able to operate the same trains onto the classic high speed network to destinations not directly on the line. Like the 250, it also has tilting technology, however it is not used for 400km/h operation, rather slower operations at 250km/h on other lines. It also has the future possibility of dual voltage operation on lines in the South if ever desired.
A special version of the 400 exists, the Swiftstar 400 Euro, which is a full 16 coach unit. This is primarily designed to bolster the fleet of the Class 374/Eurostar e320s to destinations in continental Europe, mainly being used on routes which can take advantage of the extra speed the 400 provides. Bombardier are also looking for buyers in Europe for the train, however have so far been unsuccessful due to the more restrictive loading gauge the train uses.
A small batch of Swiftstar 250s are being converted and tested as 250/D, a tri-voltage unit with added diesel generators to be able to operate additionally where there is no electrification. Another test is planned with the of a 250/H variant, a tri voltage unit but instead using hyrogen fuel cells, as well as the possibility of a 250/B variant using batteries.
Please send massive praise over to Tjoeker for providing the pantograph texure!
Formations:
250: 1/2 sets, 0-10coaches per set (40-240m with cabs)
400: 1/2 sets, 0-8coaches per set (50-250m with cabs)
Liveries:
– Fully colourable
– Optional open able nose cone for coupling
– Optional yellow front
Stats
Class / Speed / Avg Pax Per Car / Avg Cost Per Car / Min/Max Cars Per Unit / Max Length
250: 250km/h, 55.0pax, 1,833,333, 2/12cars, 24cars
400: 400km/h, 76.0pax, 2,800,000, 2/16cars, 20cars
Enjoy!
~Skye[skyehaynes.me]
View my other NIMBY Rails content[skyehaynes.me]
