Title: British Rail Class 221 - Wikipedia
Headings: British Rail Class 221
British Rail Class 221
Contents
Details
Formation and passenger facilities
Operations
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Technical problems and incidents
Voyager names
Future
Fleet details
See also
References
Further reading
External links

Content: They are leased to the train operating companies . On their introduction in 2002, Virgin Trains was the operator of all Class 221s, which it used on CrossCountry and West Coast Main Line services as well as on the North Wales Coast line. With the decision to transfer those CrossCountry services that operated via the West Coast Main Line to the InterCity West Coast franchise at the same time as the former franchise was relet, on 11 November 2007 the fleet was split. Virgin West Coast were allocated 221101-221118 and 221142-221144 while CrossCountry gained 221119-221141. However while CrossCountry overhauled five High Speed Train sets, 221114-221118 were subleased for a 12-month period. CrossCountry 221124 at Manchester Piccadilly in 2015
CrossCountry
CrossCountry's Class 221s operate alongside 220s on the routes inherited from Virgin CrossCountry. Since these routes are not cleared for tilting operation (with the exception of Wolverhampton to Stockport ), in 2008 the tilting equipment was locked out of use and shortly afterwards was isolated altogether, replacing the hydraulic rams with fixed tie-bars. This change was made to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast 221108 at London Euston in 2020, having been debranded from Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains West Coast 221108 at Watford Junction in 2008
Avanti West Coast uses the Class 221 units primarily from London Euston to Scotland via Birmingham New Street (despite the route being electrified throughout) and, from London Euston to Shrewsbury and, London Euston to Chester and North Wales. They are also used by a few London Euston to West Midlands services.