Class 221 (Super Voyager) spotting guide
The Class 221 Super Voyager takes the cross-country Voyager concept a step further, adding a tilting mechanism that lets it lean into curves and keep up its pace on twisting routes. It's a common sight on CrossCountry's longest journeys.
Photo: Mungefuddler123 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Class 221 Super Voyager is a four- or five-car diesel-electric multiple unit built by Bombardier in 2001–2002.
About the Class 221 (Super Voyager)
The Class 221 Super Voyager is a four- or five-car diesel-electric multiple unit built by Bombardier in 2001–2002. Like the Class 220 it works long cross-country routes, but adds a tilting system to take curves at higher speed.
History
Introduced from 2002 alongside the Class 220 for Virgin CrossCountry, the tilting Super Voyagers were built for routes with many curves, such as the lines to Scotland and the South West. They passed to the CrossCountry franchise and remain in front-line use.
How to identify it
Very similar to the Class 220 Voyager — a sleek unit with a sharply raked cab and yellow front — but the Class 221 tilts into curves and usually runs as a longer formation. Running numbers are in the 221xxx series, in CrossCountry maroon and silver.
Fleet numbers
Numbered from 221101, operated by CrossCountry on long-distance cross-country services.
Operators
Typical workings
- Long cross-country routes via Birmingham to Scotland and the South West
- Curving routes where tilting keeps up line speed
Where to see the Class 221 (Super Voyager)
York ★★★★★
One of Britain's grandest stations and a superb East Coast Main Line spot — with the National Railway Museum right next door.
Doncaster ★★★★★
A premier East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight — long a favourite of British enthusiasts.
Reading ★★★★★
A large, busy junction on the Great Western Main Line with fast expresses, commuter services and freight — one of the best spots in the south.
Collect the Class 221 (Super Voyager) fleet
Turn everyday sightings into a collecting challenge — track the running numbers you've caught.