London Midland introduces new Class 172 DMU

[bikkuri bahn]

Will replace class 150.  Interesting as these units have mechanical rather than hydraulic transmissions.  "New" features include air conditioning (!), however, windows will not be openable.  Heaven help the passengers if the aircon fails in summer (apparently Bombardier Derby products aren't exactly strong in this area...)

 

Enthusiast clip:

 

technical info:

http://class450dude.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Class-172-Preview-Train-Technical-Data.pdf

 

press release:

http://class450dude.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/class-172-release.pdf

 

Here's a class 172 on Chiltern Railways.  Note the mechanical transmission is not exactly quiet: