British Rail Class 195
The British Rail Class 195 is a class of diesel multiple-unit passenger trains built by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) on their Civity platform for regional services operated by Northern Trains in northern England.[1] Owned by Eversholt Rail Group, the fleet consists of 25 two-car sets designated Class 195/0 and 33 three-car sets designated Class 195/1, providing a total of 58 units with capacities of up to 123 passengers in two-car formations and 203 in three-car formations.[1][2] Powered by MTU 6H 1800 R85L engines each rated at 390 kW and equipped with ZF hydraulic transmissions, the units achieve a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h) and include modern features such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets at each seat, and air conditioning.[3][4] First introduced into passenger service in July 2019 after delays from the original 2018 target, the Class 195 fleet replaced outdated Pacer trains, marking a significant upgrade in comfort and reliability for Northern's non-electrified routes.[5]Development
Ordering and Initial Specification
In January 2016, Arriva Rail North, the operator of the Northern franchise, awarded Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) a £492 million contract for 98 new trains, including 58 Class 195 diesel multiple units (DMUs) comprising 25 two-car sets (Class 195/0) and 33 three-car sets (Class 195/1), to replace older Pacer and Sprinter trains on non-electrified regional routes.[6][1] The rolling stock was financed by Eversholt Rail Group through a £490 million deal, with the units procured to enhance capacity and reliability under the franchise commitments.[3] The Class 195 units were specified on CAF's modular Civity platform, designed for interoperability across UK regional networks with a focus on diesel propulsion for unelectrified lines.[2] Each vehicle featured an MTU 6H 1800 R85L engine producing 390 kW, equipped with selective catalytic reduction for emissions compliance, and transmissions suited for speeds up to 100 mph.[3] Initial interior configurations provided 123 standard-class seats in two-car units and 203 in three-car units, emphasizing accessibility and passenger comfort without premium facilities.[7] Construction began at CAF's facility in Irun, Spain, with the order reflecting requirements for durability in northern England's varied terrain and weather conditions.[2][8]Construction and Testing
The Class 195 diesel multiple units were manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) primarily at their plant in Irun, Spain, where assembly, painting, and static testing occurred for the diesel variants. Bogie production and integration supported the build process, with construction ramping up after the 2015 franchise award to Northern, targeting 25 two-car and 30 three-car sets as Pacer replacements. The first units entered final assembly stages by mid-2017, with completion of the initial train in autumn that year. Initial dynamic testing took place outside Spain, with the lead unit shipped to the Velim test track in the Czech Republic following static checks, followed by runs at the Faurei facility in Romania to verify performance without UK-specific infrastructure. In March 2018, the first Class 195 departed Irun for additional commissioning on dedicated test tracks, arriving by 11 March to undergo full dynamic evaluations prior to UK importation. Upon arrival in the UK, network testing began in September 2018 at Edge Hill depot, where two early units—including three-car prototype 195103—underwent main line validation starting 14 September, covering routes like the West Coast main line from Warrington to Carnforth. This phase, planned from August to November 2018, focused on braking, traction, and systems integration to certify readiness for passenger operations, though subsequent delays pushed entry beyond the initial December target. Testing extended into 2019 and beyond for later units, with handover of the final three-car set, 195133, at Newton Heath depot on 4 December 2020 after localized test runs.[1]Introduction to Service
The British Rail Class 195 diesel multiple units first entered passenger service on 1 July 2019, operated by Northern on services between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport.[9] This introduction coincided with the withdrawal of older Pacer trains, aiming to improve passenger experience on these routes.[10] Initially, nine units were deployed, focusing on the Manchester Airport–Liverpool Lime Street line via Warrington Central, with services from Cumbria to Manchester Airport also utilizing the new stock.[10] By 12 August 2019, five additional Class 195 units had entered service, comprising three three-car sets and two two-car units, allowing all Liverpool Lime Street–Manchester Airport services to be rostered with the new trains.[10] Further rollout continued, with five more units introduced in early September 2019, bringing the total to 20 in daily operation by early October.[11] The progressive integration supported expansion to other non-electrified routes in Northern's network, replacing aging diesel multiple units. The complete fleet of 58 Class 195 units—25 two-car and 33 three-car—was finalized with the delivery and entry into service of the last unit, 195133, on 9 December 2020.[5] This marked the fulfillment of the 2016 order placed with CAF, valued at approximately £500 million, enhancing capacity and reliability across Northern's diesel services.[1]Design and Technical Specifications
Structural and Interior Features
The Class 195 diesel multiple units, built on the CAF Civity platform, utilize an aluminium bodyshell for lightweight construction, enabling a maximum speed of 100 mph while incorporating lightweight bogies with inboard bearings and temperature monitoring on both powered and trailer bogies.[3] The body structure features open gangways between vehicles to facilitate passenger movement and enhance security, with unit formations consisting of a driving motor standard with lavatory (DMSL), an optional intermediate motor standard (MS), and another DMS.[2] Vehicle lengths measure 24.03 m for driving motor cars and 23.35 m for intermediate cars, supporting flexible coupling into two- or three-car sets.[2] Interiors provide air conditioning, at-seat power sockets, free Wi-Fi via Icomera systems, CCTV surveillance, passenger information displays, and energy metering for efficiency monitoring.[2] [12] Seating arrangements combine perimeter and airline configurations using Fainsa-manufactured seats, with three-car units offering 184 standard-class seats (including dedicated first-class accommodation in one vehicle) and 19 tip-up seats for flexibility, while two-car units provide 108 standard-class seats and 15 tip-up seats.[2] [12] Amenities include dedicated luggage racks, bicycle storage areas, and one universal access toilet per unit using close-coupled exhaust technology, ensuring compliance with Technical Specifications for Interoperability relating to persons with reduced mobility (TSI PRM).[2] The design emphasizes full accessibility, with low-floor entry where feasible and electronic seat reservation systems integrated for passenger convenience.[13]Propulsion System and Performance
The Class 195 units utilize a diesel-mechanical propulsion system, featuring one MTU Series 1800 PowerPack per powered vehicle, each incorporating a 6H 1800 R85L 13-litre inline-6 turbocharged diesel engine rated at 390 kW (523 hp).[1] [3] These engines include selective catalytic reduction technology to meet EU Stage IIIB emissions requirements.[3] Power is delivered to the wheels through a ZF EcoLife six-speed hydraulic-mechanical automatic transmission, which shifts from torque converter to fluid coupling mode between approximately 30 and 45 mph depending on throttle position.[1] [14] This setup provides a total power output of 780 kW for two-car formations and 1,170 kW for three-car formations.[1] The trains attain a maximum speed of 100 mph (161 km/h) and achieve peak acceleration of 0.83 m/s² (approximately 1.9 mph/s).[2] [15] Braking incorporates hydrodynamic elements alongside electro-pneumatic systems, supporting efficient regenerative and dynamic deceleration on non-electrified routes.[2]Safety and Accessibility Enhancements
The Class 195 diesel multiple units incorporate hydrodynamic braking systems, which supplement traditional friction brakes to enhance stopping performance and reduce wear, contributing to operational safety on regional routes.[2] Open gangways between carriages facilitate passenger movement while improving security through better visibility and oversight.[2] Onboard CCTV systems further bolster security by monitoring passenger areas, aligning with modern standards for threat detection and incident response in public transport.[2] For accessibility, the units comply with the Technical Specification for Interoperability relating to Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM-TSI), ensuring features such as dedicated wheelchair spaces and priority seating for passengers with disabilities.[2][9] Each train includes one universal access toilet (UAT) designed for independent use by wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments, meeting regulatory requirements for step-free internal access where feasible.[2] Additional provisions include spaces for bicycles, supporting inclusive travel for cyclists with varying abilities.[9] These enhancements replace older stock lacking such compliance, enabling continued operation beyond the 2019 PRM-TSI deadline for legacy fleets.[16]Operations and Deployment
Primary Operator: Northern Trains
Northern Trains operates the complete fleet of 58 Class 195 diesel multiple units, comprising 25 two-car sets (Class 195/0) and 33 three-car sets (Class 195/1), leased from Eversholt Rail Group.[1][2] The units began entering passenger service on 1 July 2019, initially with nine sets deployed on Northern's Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Street services via Warrington Central.[17][18] Following the nationalisation of the franchise on 1 March 2020, Northern Trains assumed operation of the Class 195 fleet, completing the introduction of all units by December 2020.[1] These trains are maintained primarily at Newton Heath depot in Manchester, with technical support and spares supplied by CAF under a dedicated agreement.[2][5] Class 195 units serve non-electrified routes across the North of England, including key regional corridors from Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds to destinations such as Blackpool, Preston, and intermediate stations, enhancing capacity and reliability on diesel-only lines.[19][20] As part of Northern Trains' modernization efforts, the Class 195 fleet replaced older Pacific-class diesel units, providing improved acceleration, passenger comfort, and accessibility features on these services.[21]Route Utilization and Service Patterns
The British Rail Class 195 diesel multiple units are utilized by Northern Trains on a variety of non-electrified regional and intercity routes across northern England, primarily serving commuter and medium-distance passenger services. These units operate in both two-car and three-car formations, with configurations selected based on anticipated passenger demand and route requirements. Deployment emphasizes replacement of older rolling stock on lines lacking electrification, enabling reliable service on diverse topographies including rural and urban stretches.[19] Key routes include Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness or Windermere, providing connectivity from the airport to the Lake District; Manchester Oxford Road to Liverpool Lime Street or Warrington Central; and Manchester Piccadilly to Rose Hill Marple, supporting local commuter flows in Greater Manchester. Additional services encompass Blackpool North to York, Blackburn, or Leeds; Hebden Bridge to York; Manchester Victoria to Chester or Leeds; and Leeds to Lincoln, Nottingham, or Sheffield, facilitating cross-Pennine and east-west travel. These patterns typically involve frequent stopping services during peak hours, with hourly or bi-hourly frequencies on many lines, often supplemented by coupling units for higher capacity during rush periods.[19] Initial service introductions focused on high-profile routes, such as Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Street via Warrington, where the first nine units commenced operations in July 2019 to enhance reliability and comfort over legacy diesel stock. By late 2022, the fleet's utilization had expanded to cover the listed primary corridors, reflecting Northern Trains' strategy to standardize modern diesel operations across its non-electrified network spanning Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria, and adjacent regions. Service patterns prioritize accessibility and efficiency, with units staffed by a driver and conductor, and adaptable to timetable adjustments for engineering works or demand fluctuations.[19][18]Named Units and Special Livery
Several Class 195 units operated by Northern Trains have been named to commemorate local history, individuals, or initiatives. Unit 195104 was named Deva Victrix on 21 October 2019, referencing the Roman fortress at Chester (Deva Victrix), and was launched with a ceremonial welcome by reenactors at Chester station to mark the introduction of Class 195 services on the Chester to Leeds route.[22][23] Unit 195128, named Calder Champion, was also introduced on the same route in 2019, with local poets participating in the unveiling event.[24] Unit 195107 received the name Rob Burrow CBE on 26 September 2025, honoring the late rugby league player and motor neurone disease campaigner, whose family unveiled the naming during a ceremony in Castleford on what would have been his 42nd birthday.[25][26] Other namings include 195105 as Northern Powerhouse, 195111 as Key Worker (recognizing essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic), and 195116 as Proud To Be Northern, reflecting regional pride and promotional themes.[27] The majority of Class 195 units operate in Northern Trains' standard livery of white with blue doors, red accents, and the operator's branding. A notable exception is unit 195107 Rob Burrow CBE, which features a special vinyl wrap applied in 2025 covering two carriages with imagery of Burrow in rugby action, alongside internal displays chronicling his career and advocacy work.[28][26] This customization serves as a tribute rather than a full repaint, preserving the base Northern livery while adding commemorative elements. No other special liveries have been applied to the Class 195 fleet as of October 2025.[29]Fleet Details
Variants and Build Numbers
The Class 195 fleet comprises two variants built by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF): the two-car Class 195/0 sets and the three-car Class 195/1 sets. These differ primarily in length and passenger capacity, with the two-car units offering 108 standard-class seats plus 15 tip-up seats, and the three-car units providing 184 standard-class seats plus 19 tip-up seats.[2] Both variants share the same diesel-mechanical propulsion system, interior layout principles, and Civity platform design, enabling flexible coupling for formations up to 12 cars.[3] In December 2016, Northern Trains (then Northern Rail) ordered 25 Class 195/0 units and initially 30 Class 195/1 units as part of a broader £500 million contract for new rolling stock, with construction commencing in 2017 at CAF's plant in Celaya, Spain, and some assembly in Newport, Wales.[30] The order for three-car units was subsequently expanded to 33, bringing the total Class 195 fleet to 58 units; the final set was delivered on 11 December 2020.[1] [11]| Variant | Formation | Units Built | Numbering Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 195/0 | 2 cars (DMS + DMSL) | 25 | 195101–195125 |
| Class 195/1 | 3 cars (DMSL + MS + DML) | 33 | 195001–195033 |