Super Voyager (Class 221)

A WORLD CLASS TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

The massive improvements in travel environment that the new Voyager trains bring, coupled with innovations in on-board entertainment and catering, will ensure that the CrossCountry travel experience becomes truly world class.

This will allow Virgin Trains to develop the missing business market on the inter-regional routes across the UK - as well as continuing to grow the more traditional CrossCountry leisure market.

Club Class

Every train will offer a Club Class coach which will provide CrossCountry business travellers with an at-seat service of complimentary food and drinks together with a high quality, audio entertainment system.

This service will also include complimentary newspapers, magazines and audio headphones. A 240 volt power socket has also been provided near every seat to allow laptops and mobile phones to be recharged.

Standard Class

The journey experience for customers choosing Standard Class will also be significantly enriched with the following features:

• Audio entertainment will be available at every seat for the first time in the UK, featuring a wide range of both pre-recorded music channels and live radio. Passengers will be able to use their own headphones or buy a pair at the on-board shop.
• A comprehensive on-board guide will explain the audio channels and other important items such as the key features of the train, safety information and the shop menu.
• The on-board shop will offer a new 'walk-in' retail environment, with a comprehensive range of products. Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of high quality food and drink, as well as other items designed to enhance the travel experience, such as CDs, books, magazines and games.
• Electronic seat reservation displays will safeguard seat reservations for the correct customers.
• New information displays will keep passengers well-informed both outside and inside the trains.
• The Voyager is one of the first trains to fully comply with the latest requirements for the disabled for access, toilets and information.
• Other features include baby changing facilities and the ability to reserve the four bicycle rack positions in advance.

Class 220 Voyager and Class 221 Super Voyager

The fleet will be split into two sub-fleets:

• 34 Voyager non-tilting trains (four-car)
• 44 Super Voyager tilting trains (five-car)

The two train fleets will appear identical to passengers in both external and internal appearance. The only difference will be a tilting body on the Super Voyager fleet which will require heavier bogies - adding seven tonnes to each coach. The tilt mechanism will provide an additional six degree "lean" as the train corners and this will provide a gentler ride for passengers, whilst allowing curves to be taken safely at up to 20% faster.

On Board

Seating Plan

Virgin Trains

VT 'Super Voyager' Seating Plan

Avanti West Coast

AWC 'Super Voyager' Seating Plan

Avanti West Coast 'Super Voyagers'.

Avanti Railfans Zone : 'Our Super Voyager Trains' (now retired).

The Super Voyagers served as a dependable backbone of rail travel in the UK since their introduction in 2002 by Virgin Trains. With features like tilting technology for smoother journeys on winding routes and onboard WiFi for convenience, they set a high standard for passenger comfort.

Having left service for Avanti West Coast in 2024, they offered fast and reliable service to passengers for many years.

Tilt System

• Hydraulic Active Tilt Operation
• Tilt Angle of +/− 6 degrees
• Tilt Authorisation Speed Supervision Control (TASS)

HELP WANTED !!

If you have any information on Class 221 'Super Voyager' Tilt Systems - Please let me know !

© R G Latham 2024.