Train operating company, Northern, has announced that its first new train has left the factory and is on its way to be tested out on the track.
The Class 195 DMU left the CAF factory in Spain this week and is starting a long journey which will see it end up at Velim in the Czech Republic.
The diesel multiple unit was carefully placed onto the back of a low loader and will be shipped to Germany. From there it will be loaded onto another lorry to make its way to Velim.
The train is due to arrive at the test track by the end of the week where it will undergo commissioning work on-site. Then, towards the end of the month, full testing will begin.
What did the officials say?
Ian Hyde, our Head of New Trains, said: “It made its first move under its own power yesterday. We've worked for so long on the design and construction of the new trains it's a real thrill to see one on the move for the first time, even if is only for a few metres!”
Ian added: “Delivering this milestone bring us that much closer to seeing the trains out and about which, as part of the Great North Rail Project, will help improve customer journeys across the north of England.
“Once work is complete in Velim we expect to see the first of the new trains in the UK in the summer for further testing before they head out onto the Northern network to carry passengers in December.”
Steve Timothy, Client Relations Director at Eversholt Rail said: “It is fantastic that the new Class 195 trains will be arriving for testing in the Czech Republic. This is another major milestone towards the introduction of passenger service.”
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Great news. But what about the Class 331. Will those also be tested aswell. And also what about CAF to manufacture new trains for West Midlands Railway. When will that happen. Probably next year I think. CAF’s Class 195’s and Class 331’s are coming along very nicely as Northern have ordered these new trains.