INTERCITY The new 225

The following is reproduced from a leaflet titled "INTERCITY The new 225". English

A new generation of high speed electric trains

The InterCity 225 train ushers in a new era in rail travel. Introduced in 1990 onto services between West Yorkshire and London, the train is now entering service on the main East Coast route connecting London, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Hauled by the Class 91 locomotive, the fastest and most powerful ever to run in Britain, with the latest Mark 4 coaches, set the highest standard in comfort and convenience.

On the 225, your Senior Conductor is always on hand to attend to any of your needs. Design improvements to the buffet means swifter service for all travellers now, for instance, up to 120 breakfasts can be prepared at a single sitting.

The spacious Standard accommodation consists of seats either in facing pairs or face-to-back arrangements, each with tables for comfort and convenience. Overhead, seat-height and end-of-coach racks give space for all your luggage.

The refreshing experience of travelling by 225 starts as soon as you board. Push-button doors lead the traveller into the entrance area and on to the plushly carpeted and softly lit saloon, making you feel instantly at home. Access between each coach is simplicity itself, thanks to sliding doors, insulated inter-coach gangways and well placed handrails.

All seats within the First Class area recline and have tables, this coupled with diffused ceiling lighting and indirect lighting helps create a luxurious, restful ambience.

All new interiors provide a restful atmosphere for both First Class and Standard accommodation travellers. In each First Class coach, 46 reclining seats with tables are arranged in a variety of ways, catering for the individual and the group traveller. Fabrics in soothing colours, wall to floor carpeting, and private reading lamps create the ideal mood for work or relaxation. In Standard accommodation coaches, all 74 seats are provided with either free standing or seat back tables, stylishly divided into smoking and non-smoking areas. The regular train formation will have six Standard and two First Class coaches with a catering vehicle between. Pullman trains will have three First Class coaches and a Restaurant vehicle, buffet and four Standard coaches. There is also a telephone on every train and a coach specially designed for the disabled traveller, conveniently located next to the buffet.

Coaches in the 225 incorporate a new larger toilet cubicle in addition to the current smaller unit. The new cubicle includes a washbasin, warm-air hand dryer and fold-down table to assist mothers with baby changing. The coach specially adapted for the disabled traveller has the new larger cubicle with additional features.

FACTS - THE INTERCITY 225

© R G Latham 2025.