01.03.16
First ScotRail Class 385 to undergo testing next month
The first AT200 in ScotRail’s 70-train fleet order will be undergoing testing in Hitachi’s Japan plant next month, RTM can reveal.
The amount of trains set to be built domestically has also increased from 63 to 64 to ensure “increased delivery” and to take advantage of the expanded manufacturing happening locally, Hitachi’s general manager for Scotland, Jon Veitch, told RTM.
The first bodyshell of the 70-EMU fleet is also expected to be shipped to the UK next month.
“The first bodyshell will be shipped probably next month across to the UK. We’ll build up our own confidence and manufacturing skills there [in Japan], but the first train in Japan [will already go into test next month],” Veitch said. “Bodyshells are now being produced day in and day out in Japan.”
Asked why six trains are being produced in Japan rather than at Hitachi’s newly-opened Newton Aycliffe facility, the director said it’s important for domestic staff to hone their skills and transfer the “quality and the reputation of Japanese manufacturing over to ourselves”.
Part of this includes the practice of “exhaustive testing” of all systems to ensure faultless reliability across key Scotland routes, including on the electrified Edinburgh-Glasgow line, the country’s busiest, and on the Stirling-Alloa-Dunblane lines.
Earlier this month, ScotRail also decided to park a life-size model of the interior of the upcoming train at Edinburgh Waverley so customers can experience it first-hand.
The train will stay open for public visits until 4 March, showcasing both a standard and first class saloon of the Class 385 train as well as its actual seating and tables.
The first 24 trains will enter service in 2017, with the remainder of the fleet being rolled out by early 2019.
Read more about RTM’s interview with Veitch about Hitachi’s AT200s in the next edition of RTM.