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.
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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