Static testing has begun on Avanti West Coast's new Hitachi Class 805 and 807 trains.
The bi-mode trains are being coupled together to mark the testing phase of the new trains, which are due to enter service in 2023.
All basic functionality, from brakes to engines, doors and toilets will be tested before the start of dynamic testing, which is when the trains will move under their own power for the first time.
The new fleet, which are on course to enter service in 2023, will compromise of 10 seven-carriage electric trains (Class 807s) and 13 five-carriage bi-mode trains (Class 805s).
The Class 807s will be operated between London and Liverpool, whilst the bi-mode Class 805s will operate between London and Holyhead.
New photos have been revealed to show the progress on the new trains, which will replace outgoing Voyager trains.
Work is progressing well on Avanti West Coast's new fleet of trains in readiness for entry into service in 2023.
Meanwhile, work continues on Avanti's Pendolino fleet at Alstom's Widnes Depot – you can read more about the work and our visit to the Alstom factory by clicking here
Phil Whittingham, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast said: “It's great to see the new trains taking shape. The investment is a key part of our exciting plans to raise the bar for the UK rail industry, and our wider commitment to improve the customer experience and a more sustainable operation.”
Jim Brewin, Head of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail said: “Our teams across the UK are working tenaciously to deliver more Hitachi intercity trains, which are proven to boost reliability and performance.
We look forward to Avanti passengers experiencing the transformation that follows the introduction of this brand new fleet.”
At least these won’t be tilting trains unlike the Class 390 Pendolinos that do tilt.
So they are reducing train lengths again. This causes chaos and overcrowding. They are also cheaper to run and profits are consequently higher.
Passengers will be packed in like sardines.
Train lengths have been getting progressively shorted ever since franchising started. Overcrowding had increased. Passenger comfort has reduced.
I don’t suppose any of this matters anymore.
Our railways are in a compete mess due to the franchise system. Things just keep getting worse and nobody seems to care anymore.
Shorter trains represent a downgrade and not an upgrade.
This is what happens when profits come before people.
Do we know what the interior layout of these is going to be yet? The Voyagers they are replacing are horrid, squalid and cramped, with all airline seating unless you are in the know and sit in Coach D.