The body shell for the first train of the Class 803 fleet has arrived at Hitachi Rail’s factory in Newton Aycliffe.
It’s one of five AT300 125mph intercity electric trains ordered by the FirstGroup, with the second and third trains due in May.
The trains were ordered last year as part of a £100 million deal between the FirstGroup and Hitachi Rail, financed by Beacon Rail.
The First Group has secured the rights from the Office of Road and Rail to run a new ‘open access’ service between London and Edinburgh, with the aim of encouraging people to use trains rather than planes.
Under the plans, customers will benefit from an average fare of less than £25, on-board catering and free WiFi, with the service due to start in Autumn 2021.
Hitachi is building five electric intercity trains of five carriages each and as part of the agreement the new trains will be fully maintained by the company for 10 years.
Speaking last year, Hitachi Rail Europe said: “Our Japanese-bullet train inspired fleet will play a vital role in supporting First Group’s exciting new service.
“These trains have been designed to increase the number of seat available whilst harnessing the latest in comfort design to boost passenger experiences.”
