HS2

23.09.16

ScotRail Class 385s undergo 100mph testing in Czech Republic

Testing of the Hitachi trains to be used on ScotRail’s new electrified routes has now begun in Czech Republic.

While first Class 385 trains are being tested in Velim, a second train, a four-car vehicle without interiors, has arrived in Scotland after a five-week sea transfer from Kasado, Japan, where it was built. It will undergo dynamic testing in Scotland later this year.

Hitachi Rail Europe is now building the remainder of the Class 385 fleet at its manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

ScotRail Class385 T2 at Teesport 2

Passengers in Scotland have been warned to expect cancelled services until 8 December as work for the electrification programme progresses.

However, the ORR has warned that there are “significant challenges” for the introduction of the first electric services by December.

Under the current timetable, driver training for the new trains will begin in spring 2017 and the first trains will enter passenger service in autumn.

Watch the video of the testing below:

(Images c. ScotRail)

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Comments

Cityoflondonboy   23/09/2016 at 09:52

‘Testing of the Hitachi trains to be used on ScotRail’s new electrified routes has now begun in Czechoslovakia.’ Czechoslovakia hasn’t existed since 1993 it’s either the Czech Republic or Slovakia.

Andrew Gwilt   23/09/2016 at 14:57

These new ScotRail Class 385's that are currently being built and to be shipped to Europe for test and then transferred to Scotland does look familiar to the ScotRail's Class 380's (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_380). But once the Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line is electrified then these new Class 385's trains will soon be in service from later on in 2017 and in 2018 and 10 more Class 385's will be built in 2022 and should be in service in 2023 if Abellio does win the contract to extend the Scottish Railway from 7 years to 10 years. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_385

Dave   23/09/2016 at 20:25

The view from the cab cannot be good.Unless the Gangway folds right back.Not good in sidings especially and for offside ground signals..

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