More ‘800s’ in traffic with GWR

The number of Great Western Railway Class 800s in traffic had reached 24 (out of 36) by the middle of February, with 800031 the latest to begin duties.

Still to enter traffic by February 19 were: 800001004, which are being used for testing; 800007/036, which have yet to be released from Newton Aycliffe but have started testing at the County Durham site; 800019, which has been to Stoke Gifford but is not approved for passenger duties; and 800027/032/033/ 035, which are at Doncaster Carr for final testing, commissioning and wrapping in GWR vinyls.

Hitachi Rail Europe has also delivered two driving vehicles to Doncaster. These are to be reformed into 800001/002 as the kitchens fitted to these vehicles are not to the size required.