British Rail Class 756

The British Rail Class 756 FLIRT is a class of tri-mode multiple units being built for Transport for Wales Rail by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail. They are closely related to the bi-mode units delivered by Stadler to Greater Anglia between 2018 and 2020, which can be powered either by overhead electric lines or on-board diesel generators. The Class 756 units will also carry batteries as an additional source of traction power.

A total of 24 units are to be built, split between 7 three-car units and 17 four-car units.

History
The Wales & Borders rail franchise, awarded to KeolisAmey Wales with effect from 14 October 2018, included a commitment requiring that the operator oversee a full fleet replacement during the franchise period. As part of this process, KeolisAmey placed an order with Stadler in February 2019 for the 24 FLIRT tri-mode units that came to be designated Class 756. The tri-mode capabilities are intended to facilitate operations over lines that have only been partially electrified. Production of the fleet was underway by mid-2021, and entry into service is planned for 2024.

Transport for Wales
When built, Transport for Wales Rail Class 756 units will operate services on the Rhymney line and Vale of Glamorgan Line.

Technical details
Class 756 units have three or four passenger vehicles, along with a separate "Power Pack" vehicle near the centre of the unit that contains a diesel generator set and three battery modules. The diesel generator produces 480 kW, while the batteries are capable of supplying up to 1300 kW. All vehicles are linked by unpowered Jacobs bogies, while the outermost bogie at each end of each unit carries the traction motors.