CrossCountry ‘Dawlish proofs’ Voyager fleet

Software alts improve resilience

CrossCountry says it has modified its Class 220/221 Voyager fleet to enable operation in stormy conditions on the South Devon coast.

Since their introduction in the 2000s, the trains have suffered failures when waves have washed over the sea wall and onto the trains roofs, sometimes causing them to shut down and be unable to restart.

Extensive modifications now mean the fleet – which is owned by Beacon Rail – is expected to be operational in the same conditions as other trains. Since 2016, restrictions have been imposed in severe weather conditions when there is a risk of a Voyager blocking the railway through South Devon.

Work began on software modifications from 2019, with trains running in so-called ‘blue’ conditions that they were hitherto unable to. Trials in more severe ‘amber’ conditions have proved the trains’ greater resilience in bad weather.

Dawlish-proof at last: CrossCountry Nos 220004/025 call at Dawlish with the 07.01 Edinburgh-Plymouth on 21 February 2023.
Dawlish-proof at last: CrossCountry Nos 220004/025 call at Dawlish with the 07.01 Edinburgh-Plymouth on 21 February 2023. DWV Hunt