Polaris (train)

The Polaris is a design of locomotive-hauled train manufactured by Chinese Sourced Railway Equipment (CSRE). The train is inspired by the British Rail InterCity 125 (HST), and has a top speed of 140 mph. The loco hauled trains will have two power cars and will be compatible with British Rail Mark 3 coaches. The power cars will either be Diesel electric, electric and electro-diesel, making it suitable for use across the whole British railway network. CSRE also offer a Electric multiple unit (EMU) type of Polaris called the Polaris E.

Potential orders
According to the Managing Director of CSRE, David Shipley, there has been interest from a number of train operating companies, and the Polaris will be operating in the UK by 2012. Grand Central Railway planned to introduce some Polaris trains in 2010, but has not yet announced an order; presently it operates a mixture of Class 43 locomotives with Mark 3 coaches and Class 180 multiple units. Alliance Rail Holdings, an open access operator, aims to use 17 Polaris trainsets on a number of services starting in late 2013, although the deal has not yet been finalised.

Features
The train will have Wi-fi installed, 2+1 seating in first class and 2+2 in standard. Trains will have a buffet car, electric screens and five toilets (two accessible) per 6 car rake.

Manufacture
It is planned that the parts will be built in China and the trains will be assembled in the UK possibly in the North East or Liverpool.