RailAdvent
  • Home
  • News
    • All News
    • Freight
    • Infrastructure
    • Mainline Network
    • Heritage on the Mainline News
    • Narrow Gauge Railway News
    • Standard Gauge Railway News
  • Mainline Steam Info
  • All Railtours
  • Community
  • Online Shop
  • Simulation
  • Upgrade!
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
Cart / £0.00

No products in the basket.

  • Father’s Day Cards
  • Email Newsletter
  • Reviews
  • Events Calendar
  • Streaming Video
  • Home
  • News
    • All News
    • Freight
    • Infrastructure
    • Mainline Network
    • Heritage on the Mainline News
    • Narrow Gauge Railway News
    • Standard Gauge Railway News
  • Mainline Steam Info
  • All Railtours
  • Community
  • Online Shop
  • Simulation
  • Upgrade!
No Result
View All Result
RailAdvent
No Result
View All Result
Home Rolling Stock

Hitachi Cracks: GWR and LNER Class 800 trains can re-enter service with ‘thorough inspections’

Michael Holden avatar by Michael Holden
13th May 2021
in Rolling Stock
Reading Time: 6 mins read
1
Great Western Railway awarded Direct Award by government

Credit: Langton Photography

16.9k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

A Service Recovery Plan has been announced to get Hitachi Class 800 and 385 trains back in service thanks to an agreement between Hitachi Rail, train operators and the Government.

The Class 800s were removed from service as a precaution last weekend when some trains showed signs of cracking.

Following safety checks, TransPennine Express, Hull Trains and ScotRail have been able to operate services across their network. Hull Trains was able to resume services the same day, whilst TransPennine Express shortened Newcastle services to terminate at York – which have now been reinstated.

After further testing, involving the ORR’s HM Railway Inspectorate, GWR and LNER can now begin to reintroduce trains to provide a more regular service for passengers.

Trains may be less frequent than usual and train availability could vary so passengers are being asked to check before travelling.

The Service Recovery Plan follows on from work between Hitachi, operators and the regulator around the safe return of some trains.

RelatedPosts

Lets Walk London maps

Free walking maps are now available at London Network Rail stations

28th May 2022
A dog in front of an Azuma train

Plan Ahead: LNER releases advise ahead of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend

26th May 2022
Naming ceremony at London Marylebone

Rail industry responds to RMT’s “overwhelming” support for action against Network Rail and 15 rail operators

25th May 2022
Principality Stadium

Great Western Railway to run 40 extra trains to support Ed Sheeran concerts in Cardiff

25th May 2022
Load More

Since the fault was discovered, tests and research have been completed to have a better understanding of the cracking issue.

Based on work completed Hitachi and operators have put in place criteria to allow trains to re-enter service.

Thorough inspections will be completed by specialists before trains leave the depot and these trains will only re-enter service if they meet the agreed criteria.

Trains will then be subject to a Forward Repair Plan to ensure long term use of the trains.

LNER says that around 75% of services are currently operating on the network. An Intercity 225 set has been brought back on the London Kings Cross to West Yorkshire route, with a second set expected to re-enter service in the coming days.

Andrew Barr, Group CEO of Hitachi Rail, said: “Today’s agreement sets out our joint plan for the phased reintroduction of our trains into service, which will continue to deliver the highest possible safety standards. Safety remains our number one priority, and we and our partners have worked round the clock to agree an approach that allows the return of trains to service where they have been deemed safe.

“With our service recovery plan now underway, the operators will begin reintroduction of trains as they are individually approved and deemed safe. We would like to thank our partners for their ongoing support as we work collectively to reintroduce more trains into service.”

Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The safety of passengers has been the absolute focus for each of the organisations involved in making decisions about these trains over recent days. After some incredibly hard and detailed work, Hitachi’s engineers have worked with train operators and the rail regulator to safely bring some trains back into service. Over the coming days we will be able to get passengers on the affected routes moving again, but for now passengers should continue to check before they travel.”

HM Chief Inspector of Railways at the Office of Rail and Road, Ian Prosser CBE said: “We’ve engaged with Hitachi and the train companies to oversee their development of a safe and suitable plan.

“We’re also continuing to provide the rigorous oversight needed to make sure the right checks are being carried out so that the trains are able to re-enter passenger service safely.”

Mark Hopwood, GWR Managing Director, said: “Our customers have shown great patience over the past couple of days, and I am grateful for their understanding as we have worked with Hitachi to allow trains to return safely. This news will allow us to run some additional services today and reintroduce more consistent robust timetables for customers after the weekend.

“The industry has come together to help support those travelling – with other operators allowing each other’s tickets to be used on their networks; adding in extra shuttle services to help move people; and in sharing rolling stock to provide it to those who need it most.”

David Horne, LNER Managing Director, said: “I am pleased we have been able to work as an industry to agree a service recovery plan with Hitachi and industry partners that will allow trains to return safely to our route. We are continuing to work together to begin the return of Azuma trains into service from next week. Customers should continue to check before they travel with LNER and I apologise for the disruption caused.”

Rail Minister Chris-Heaton Harris said: “I welcome the news that operators, working closely with Hitachi and the independent safety regulator, the Office of Road and Rail, have confirmed that many trains can return to the network following rigorous safety tests.

“Trains should begin to return to service after further inspections have been carried out, helping to safely restore the reliable and punctual services on GWR and LNER that passengers deserve.

“Safety is our absolute focus, which is why Hitachi will carry out a comprehensive daily testing regime on affected trains.

“The next step on the route back to normal service levels will be for Hitachi to present their long-term repair plan for the fleet. We expect to see this shortly.

“Whilst this long-term fix can partly be incorporated into the regular service pattern for these trains, we do expect disruption to services for some time to come, but hope passengers understand this work is essential to ensure these issues do not occur again.”

Where Next?

RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
FREE NEWSLETTERS
Signup to our daily and weekly newsletters
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements

Tags: Great Western RailwayHitachiLondon North Eastern RailwayRail Delivery Group
ShareTweetPinShareShare
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
guest
1 Comment
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Where Next on RailAdvent?

Railway News DVDs, Prints, Cards and Gifts MAINLINE STEAM INFO Competition Time! Share your pictures FREE NEWSLETTERS Subscribe for More
Previous Post

Renewable energy source for new cycle parking facility at New Southgate railway station

Next Post

Video: Jogger seconds from being hit by train on level crossing in Buckinghamshire

Related Posts

Heathrow Express New York Carriage
Network

Heathrow Express carriages renamed after twelve world cities

by Chloe White
21st May 2022
1

A special event was held at Paddington station which saw the rail operator reveal its fleet of carriages...

Read more
LNER station waiting rooms across the East Coast route.

LNER Waiting Room Refurbishments across the East Coast Route

19th May 2022
LNER Azuma aerial view

Watch: LNER releases driver’s seat video of Teesside and Durham coast

17th May 2022
One of Greater Anglia's new commuter trains

People fleeing domestic abuse in East Anglia can get free train travel

16th May 2022
Load More

Top rated products

  • Greetings card featuring steam locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman on the East Lancashire Railway Flying Scotsman steam locomotive greetings card
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £2.99
  • Great Central Railway DVD Great Central Railway - Winter Steam Gala 2022 - 3 Disc Set
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £19.99 – £27.99
  • Flying Scotsman Ruler Flying Scotsman steam locomotive 30cm plastic ruler
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £3.99
  • Borders Railway: The Complete DVD Collection (8 Disc Set)
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £26.99
  • Flying Scotsman steam train christmas card Christmas Card featuring steam locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman
    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £2.99

Our latest release

Watch Instantly

NYMR DVD 2019
FR Victorian DVD

You May Like

Latest Reviews

Britains Railways in WWII cover
Book Review

Book Review: Britain’s Railways in the Second World War by Michael Foley

by Roger Smith

This book provides a history of Britain's Railways in the Second World War, often focussing on memories from those involved.

Read more
Continental Traction cover 001

Book Review: Continental Traction by Jamie Anderson

Load More

Latest News

metro trains on line
Network

Work ramps up on £100m Metro Flow Project

by Chloe White
28th May 2022
Norfolk astronomer Mark Thompson.
Network

Greater Anglia releases its latest “Life on Rails” podcast

by Roger Smith
28th May 2022
Lets Walk London maps
Network

Free walking maps are now available at London Network Rail stations

by Chloe White
28th May 2022
Loco 222104 at a standstill at a station on the East Midlands Line
Network

EMR advises customers to plan ahead if heading to London this weekend

by Chloe White
27th May 2022

FREE RailAdvent newsletters

Get the latest news, reviews, deals and more straight into your inbox.

Click here to sign up today !

Our latest release

Deals at Amazon

RailAdvent Online Store

  • Reliving Preservation – Brecon Mountain, Welsh Highland and Welshpool & Llanfair – 2 Disc DVD & 3 Photos Set

    Reliving Preservation – Brecon Mountain, Welsh Highland and Welshpool & Llanfair – 2 Disc DVD & 3 Photos Set

    £18.99 – £19.99
    Select options
  • Settle and Carlisle Railway by air DVD

    Settle to Carlisle Railway by Air DVD (Skyview Productions)

    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £19.95
    Add to basket
  • Keighley and Worth Valley Railway steam train christmas card

    Christmas Card featuring 41241 & 78022, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

    Rated 5.00 out of 5
    £2.99
    Add to basket
  • flying scotsman magnet

    Steam locomotive fridge magnet – 60103 Flying Scotsman – East Lancashire Railway

    £3.49
    Add to basket
  • Mad Bess on the Ruislip Lido Railway

    Mad Bess stands at Eleanor’s Loop – Ruislip Lido Railway

    £3.49 – £29.99
    Select options
  • 41241, Woodhouse Road, KWVR SSG 2019

    41241 near Ingrow West on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway – 12×8 framed print

    £19.99
    Add to basket
  • Peters Railway A Big Smellie Bogie

    Peter’s Railway A Big Smellie Bogie

    £2.99
    Add to basket
  • Peters Railway and the Moonlight Express book

    Peter’s Railway and the Moonlight Express

    £11.99
    Add to basket

From RailAdvent

Peters Railway Books
RailAdvent

© RailAdvent Ltd 2014 - 2022
Registered in England & Wales
Company Number: 13512367
VAT Number: 392755949

More Links

  • About Us
  • Advertising on RailAdvent
  • How to Contact Us
  • RailAdvent Product List
  • Delivery, Returns & Refund Policy
  • RailAdvent Privacy Policy
  • LocoStop – The Railway Social Network
  • Mainline UK Steam Info
  • RailAdvent Points

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Cart
  • Home
  • News
  • Father’s Day Cards
  • Mainline UK Steam Info
  • Online Shop
  • Community
  • Book Reviews
  • Competition Time
  • Subscribe Today!
  • Simulation
  • Railtours
  • Streaming Video
  • Railway Special Events Calendar
  • Videos
  • Find A Railway
    • Railways In England
      • By County
      • By Name
    • Railways In Scotland
    • Railways In Wales
  • More Stuff
    • Miniature Railways In The UK
    • Museums In The UK
      • By Name
      • By County
    • Model Railways
    • Review of the week
    • Flying Scotsman
    • Throwback Thursdays
    • About Us
    • How to Contact Us
    • Advertising on RailAdvent
    • Featured Fridays
      • Share your Railway Photo’s & Video’s

© RailAdvent Ltd 2014 - 2022
Registered in England & Wales
Company Number: 13512367
VAT Number: 392755949

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

>
X
X