The UK Civity has many classes:
- the 195, which is a diesel multiple unit
- the 331, which is the electric multiple unit version of the 195 and I have not been on it
- the 397, which looks sillier and I have not been on it
- the 196 and 197, which are basically the same train tbh. Also they look so stupid. Also a diesel multiple unit
How do you know if it's a diesel or electric train?
The class number tells you!Where the first digit is:
it is a locomotive (ie Class 67)
1it is a diesel multiple unit (ie Class 196 Civity)
2it is a diesel-electric multiple unit (ie Class 221 Super Voyager)
3it is an overhead AC electric multiple unit (ie Class 390 Pendolino)
4it is a DC third rail electric multiple unit (ie Class 444)
5it is a DC electric multiple unit (ie Class 509)
6it is a multiple unit that runs on weird fuel (ie Class 614, a hydrogen train)
7it is some sort of bi-mode electric multiple unit (ie Class 777, which can either be powered by third rail or batteries)
8it is a high-speed electric multiple unit, but not being in the 8xx range does not imply it is not high speed (ie Class 800 IET)
9these are weird trains
The 196 and 197 look absolutely ridiculous. When you're not trying to avert your eyes from a drunk person inexplicably travelling from or around Birmingham or fighting for your survival on a crowded two car Transport for Wales service, it's alright. Reasonably comfortable (if you can get a seat, fuck you) and makes funny sounds :D