All coaches are equipped with a Cummins QSK19 diesel engine of Script error: No such module "convert". at 1,800Script error: No such module "String".rpm. These power a generator which supplies current to motors driving two axles per coach,[2] with one axle per bogie powered.[3][4]
Voyagers have both air and rheostatic brakes. They are fitted with Dellner couplers, like the Class 222 operated by East Midlands Railway and the Class 390 Pendolino electric trains used by Avanti West Coast, meaning they can be coupled in rescue/recovery mode (air brake only) in the event of a failure. 220s and 221s can also be easily assisted by Dellner fitted Class 57s (Thunderbirds) in the event of a failure. By use of adaptor couplings a failed 220 or 221 can also be assisted by any air braked locomotive.
The Class 220s and closely related Class 222s have B5005 bogies,[3][5] which are distinctive as they are of inside-frame design and so the axles are supported by bearings behind the wheels, meaning the outside face of the wheel is visible. The related tilting Class 221 Super Voyager has outside-frame bogies and hence a more conventional appearance.
The Class 220s operate in four-coach sets with a carriage mass of between 45 and 48Script error: No such module "String".tonnes and a total train weight of 185.6Script error: No such module "String".tonnes, a top speed of Script error: No such module "convert"., and a maximum range of approximately Script error: No such module "convert". between each refuelling. Their route availability is very good being RA 2[2] - in part due to the lightweight bogie design.
Class 220 units are fitted with an AB Hoses variable rate sanding system.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Virgin CrossCountry was the sole operator of Class 220 Voyager trains when they were introduced in 2001. When the Cross Country Route franchise was transferred to Arriva CrossCountry in November 2007, most of the Voyager fleet was transferred with it, and by the end of 2007 CrossCountry was the sole operator of Class 220 units.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Class 220 units often operate in multiple with Template:Brc units, which are mechanically similar except for their bogies and have the same coupler type.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Units have sometimes been stopped by salt water, when storm-driven waves broke over the train at Dawlish in south Devon and inundated the resistor banks, causing the control software to shut down.[11] This problem was fixed by an upgrade to the control software.[12]
There were a number of exhaust fires on the Voyager class during 2005–2006 due to incorrect fitting of equipment during overhauls. Fires occurred at Starcross (Class 221), Newcastle, and on 19 January 2006 at Congleton.[13]
On 14 March 2008, unit 220012, forming a service to Derby, had a roof fire at Banbury.[14][15] This fire was caused by a bird getting caught under one of the hot brake resistors on the roof of the train. Damage to the train was not serious and it was repaired and returned to service.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
