Caledonian Sleeper Mark 5 Coaches
UK (Scotland, London; West Coast Main Line) · 2015 (contract), 2016–2018 (built), 2019 (first service) · €200 million (for 75 coaches, 2015 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe decision to split the Caledonian Sleeper service into a separate franchise and procure new rolling stock demonstrated a commitment to modernizing overnight rail travel in the UK. - The modification of the original order due to safety concerns over "pod" seating highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and iterative design in rolling stock procurement. - The introduction of the new coaches, despite initial delays and teething problems, aimed to deliver a world-class sleeper service, enhancing passenger experience and comfort. - The use of locomotive-hauled coaches, a departure from the trend of EMUs/DMUs, was necessary for the specific operational requirements of the Caledonian Sleeper, including running on unelectrified routes.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and manufacturing bespoke sleeping coaches to replace aging Mark 2 and Mark 3 stock, meeting modern passenger expectations for comfort and amenities. - Adapting the coach designs to comply with UK railway crashworthiness regulations, particularly concerning aircraft-style "pod" seating. - Integrating various accommodation types (club rooms, classic rooms, accessible rooms) and onboard services (lounge car, seated car) within the new fleet. - Managing the logistics of testing coaches in the Czech Republic and delivering them to the UK for commissioning.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Serco (franchise operator); Caledonian Sleeper
- Lead contractor
- CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)
- Lead designers
- CAF
- Project type
- new build; vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 75 coaches (five different types: Club Car, Seated Car, Sleeper Car, Accessible Car PRM); Train length: 16 coaches per full train; Max speed: 125 mph (201 km/h)
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Interior Design; Systems
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway crashworthiness regulations; Scottish Government Caledonian Sleeper franchise agreement
Sources: British Rail Mark 5 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Mark_5) - Railway Gazette: CAF signs Caledonian Sleeper coach contract (https://www.railwaygazette.com/passenger/caf-signs-caledonian-sleeper-coach-contract/39986.article) - Rail Engineer: CAF’s Mark 5 coaches (https://www.railengineer.co.uk/cafs-mark-5-coaches/)