Central Trains - Central Trains Rolling Stock - C

Central Trains - C

Central Trains Rolling Stock

Central Trains' fleet was primarily made up of diesel multiple unit trains, with an additional fleet of electric trains in use around Birmingham.

The awarding of the franchise was soon followed by multiple orders for a total of 33 new air-conditioned, 100 mph Turbostar trains, intended to boost the fleet and replace older rolling stock. Though a large number of 1980s and 1990s diesel multiple unit trains inherited from British Rail remained, the last 1960s and 70s 'slam door' trains had been retired by 2000.

Over the course of the franchise, a number of the older Class 156 and Class 158 trains were transferred away to other operators including Wales & Borders and One. This was balanced by the acquisition of additional Turbostar trains no longer required by sister company Midland Mainline as well as additional Class 150 and Class 158 units made surplus by other operators. Over the years, both Class 150 and 158 trains were shuffled between two and three carriage formations to meet changing needs.

The Strategic Rail Authority decision to divert rolling stock originally intended for South West Trains also saw the company benefit from a fleet of 30 new 100 mph Class 350 Desiro units, which were shared with Silverlink for use on the West Coast Main Line between Euston and Northampton/Liverpool via Tamworth.

Rolling stock in 1997 consisted entirely of trains inherited from British Rail. Some, such as Class 310 and Class 312 trains were in the process of withdrawal at privatisation. By the final months of the franchise, Central Trains had a significantly more modern fleet. It was also supplementing its fleet with Class 321 and new Class 350 electric trains shared with sister company Silverlink.

Central Trains Fleet at Start of Franchise

Rolling stock in 1997 consisted entirely of trains inherited from British Rail. Some, such as Class 310 and Class 312 trains were in the process of withdrawal at privatisation.

Class 150 Sprinter

diesel multiple unit

Some Centro services.

Dorridge/Shirley/Stratford Upon Avon/Leamington Spa – Worcester/Great Malvern/Hereford. Some non Centro routes Crewe to Skegness, Derby to Matlock and Nottingham to Worksop

1984–1987

Class 153 Super Sprinter

Lincolnshire and Mid Wales rural services, Stourbridge branch line, Skegness to Crewe & Derby to Matlock and Nottingham to Birmingham New Street/Shrewsbury via Derby

1987–1988

Class 156 Super Sprinter

Aberystwyth and Chester to Birmingham New Street, Hereford to Birmingham New Street, Birmingham New Street to Leicester, Nottingham, Lincoln Central & Grimsby Town, Nottingham to Worksop, Crewe to Skegness.

1987–1989

Class 158 Express Sprinter

Norwich to Liverpool, Stansted to Birmingham, Nottingham to Cardiff, Grimsby to Birmingham, Birmingham to Liverpool

1989–1992

Class 310

electric multiple unit

Already being withdrawn at privatisation, remained as backup for the newly introduced Class 323. 1966

Class 312

1976

Class 323

Cross City Lines

1992–1995

Central Trains Fleet at End of Franchise

By the final months of the franchise, Central Trains had a significantly more modern fleet. It was also supplementing its fleet with Class 321 and new Class 350 electric trains shared with sister company Silverlink.

Class 150 Sprinter

Diesel Multiple Unit

Non-electric services for Network West Midlands, plus some services to Worcester, Malvern and Hereford. 1984–1987

Class 153 Super Sprinter

Lincolnshire rural services, Coventry–Nuneaton and Stourbridge branch line.

1987–1988

Class 156 Super Sprinter

Middle-distance services, mainly in the East Midlands.

1987–1989

Class 158 Express Sprinter

Middle-distance services and some Citylink duties.

1989–1992

Class 170 Turbostar

Citylink services and general use across the franchise area. 1999–2002

Class 321

electric multiple units 37 (Shared with Silverlink)

Birmingham – Northampton

1990–1991

Class 323

Birmingham Cross City Lines

1992–1995

Class 350/1 Desiro

(Shared with Silverlink)

Electrified Citylink services from Birmingham

2004–2005

Central Trains Franchise Cessation

In October 2004, the Department for Transport unveiled plans designed to streamline rail franchises which included the abolition of the Central Trains franchise and the transfer of its services to other operators. It was announced that the franchise would end in April 2007, although there was a later extension until November 2007).

On 11 November 2007, Central Trains ceased to exist and its services transferred to three new train operating companies:

Local and urban services around the West Midlands were merged with former Silverlink Country services to form London Midland.
The Liverpool – Nottingham – Norwich service (which had been threatened with a split) and local trains in the East Midlands were combined with Midland Mainline services to form East Midlands Trains.
The Cardiff – Birmingham – Nottingham and Birmingham – Stansted Airport Citylink services, were merged with former Virgin. CrossCountry services (minus Birmingham/Manchester to Scotland services) to form CrossCountry.

Central Trains Overview

Central Trains Franchise(s): Central Trains

2 March 1997 – 11 November 2007

Central Trains Main Region(s): Midlands (East, West)

Central Trains Other Region(s): North West England, East Anglia, South East Wales

Central Trains Fleet Size: 156

Central Trains Stations Called At: 232 (193 operated)

Central Trains Parent Company: National Express

Central Trains Reporting Mark: CT

Central Trains Predecessor: Regional Railways

Central Trains Successor: London Midland

East Midlands Trains

CrossCountry

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