Exploring Greater Anglia Class 755 Trains

A look at the Greater Anglia Class 755 trains. Built by Stadler Rail of Switzerland and part of their FLIRT product range these articulated bi-mode trains have an electric drive system and can be powered from both 25,000 v ac overhead wires (where available) or onboard diesel generators (on non-electrified routes). A feature that for the UK is unusual is that the diesel generators are located in a special Power Pack carriage. This makes it possible for the train to have a lower floor height than usual, and as a result when the train calls at stations with standard height platforms every passenger doorway offers 'level access' boarding. Because station platforms often need sufficient clearance for goods / freight trains to pass by there is often a wider than desirable gap between the platform and the train. Therefore every passenger doorway also has a retractable step which is deployed during station stops. Class 755 trains comes in two variants: 755/3 trains have three passenger coaches and two diesel engines in the Power Pack. 755/4 trains have four passenger coaches and four diesel engines in the Power Pack. All Class 755 trains are articulated with unpowered Jacobs bogies. Traction motors are fitted to the bogies located at each end of the trains. Internally these trains have a wealth of expected passenger facilities. A mix of 2 + 2 seating in both 'at table' and 'airline' configuration, dedicated spaces for passengers who use wheelchairs, shared space for parents with children in pushchairs / buggies / strollers and cyclists, air conditioning, large picture windows, toilets (one of which is suitable for wheelchairs), real-time passenger information (both audible and visual) and passenger loading information. This latter feature is useful when a train becomes crowded as passengers can then see if there is more space (even available seating) elsewhere on the train. Mostly filmed on the Marks Tey - Sudbury branchline which also serves Chapel & Wakes Colne station, which is the home of the East Anglia Railway Museum (https://earm.co.uk). This line is also known as The Gainsborough line - named after the famous painter who was born in Sudbury.