08.03.18
Northern sends first Class 195 for testing in Czech Republic
Northern Rail has sent its first Class 195 DMU from CAF’s facility in northern Spain to Velim, Czech Republic, where initial testing will begin.
The unit is part of a fleet of 55 trains – split between 25 two-car units and 30 three-car units – which are expected to begin phased introduction in December this year.
First off the production line, the test train will be transferred by ship to Germany where it will be loaded onto a lorry and transport to Velim.
“It made its first move under its own power yesterday,” explained Ian Hyde, Northern’s head of trains. “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.
“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.”
The train is scheduled to arrive at the test track by the end of the week, where it will undergo commissioning work on-site before full track testing begins at the end of the month.
Top image and video: Northern Rail
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