24.08.17
First new Caledonian Sleeper rolling stock arrives at Velim test track
New rolling stock for Caledonian Sleeper services have reached a milestone today as operator Serco said that the trains have arrived at a test track in the Czech Republic to undergo key testing for a number of weeks.
The first of the 75 Mk 5 trains, a five-carriage train split into two seated, one Club and two sleeper carriages, was dispatched earlier this month from manufacturer CAF’s factory in Beasain, northern Spain, before being transported by road to Hendaye station in France, where they started their rail transit to the Czech Republic.
The dynamic testing will start in the near future, and once complete the carriages will be moved to Glasgow, with the UK test programme expected to start before the end of the year.

“It’s great to see the first of the new carriages on the move,” said Peter Strachan, Serco’s chairman, UK Rail. “To design, build and introduce a new fleet of rail sleeper coaches is extremely challenging and complex.
“Achieving this milestone is entirely due to the professionalism of the Serco team and everyone involved across the rail industry,” he added.
“We still have a lot of work to do to successfully bring the new sleeper fleet into service next year, but I am really excited about the quality of experience we will be able to offer our guests when it arrives.”
Serco were awarded the Caledonian Sleeper contract back in 2014, with the project being backed by £100m funding, of which £60m is coming from the Scottish government.
The new rolling stock will boast a number of features to improve the comfort on the luxury service, including reclining seats, berths, ensuite berths and ensuite double rooms for couples.
Other new additions include hotel-style key cards, phone and gadget charging facilities and on-board wi-fi. The trains are expected to be rolled out to customers in 2018.
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