British Rail Class 800
| British Rail Class 800 Super Express | |
|---|---|
|
Hitachi Class 800 at the unveiling in Japan | |
| In service |
2015 (testing) 2017 (passenger service) |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi |
| Built at |
Hitachi Kasado (pre-production) Hitachi Newton Aycliffe (production) |
| Family name | A-Train |
| Replaced | InterCity 125 |
| Number built |
13 x 9-car sets 46 x 5-car sets |
| Operator |
GWR Virgin Trains East Coast |
| Line(s) served |
East Coast Main Line Great Western Main Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | aluminium |
| Car length | 26 metres (85 ft 4 in) |
| Width | 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 in) |
| Maximum speed |
125 mph (201 km/h) (140 mph (230 km/h) with minor modifications) |
| Electric system(s) | 25 kV AC |
| Current collection method | Pantograph |
| Safety system(s) | AWS, TPWS, ETCS, ATP |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
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The Class 800 Super Express is a type of electro-diesel train to be used in the United Kingdom, based on the Hitachi A-train design. They are to be built by Hitachi from 2015. The first units will be delivered for the Great Western Main Line (GWML), commencing service in 2017. These trains will be built at Hitachi's purpose built facility at Newton Aycliffe, alongside the related electric multiple unit Class 801.[1]
Background and design
As part of the UK Government's Intercity Express Programme, the Class 800 units are to be partial replacements for the aging InterCity 125 trains which currently operate services on the Great Western Main Line and the East Coast Main Line. The Class 800 units will be electro-diesel multiple units, able to draw power from electrified overhead lines where available and power themselves via underfloor diesel generators outside of the electrified network. The train specification requires that this changeover can occur at line speed. The trains are able to be converted to electric only operation by removal of the diesel engines.
Fleet details
| Class | Operator | Artist Impression | No. Built | Year Built |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class 800 | Virgin Trains East Coast |  |
13 x 9-car 10 x 5-car |
- |
| GWR |  |
17 x 5-car 19 x 9-car |
See also
External links
References
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