Cracks found on Scotrail trains after urgent checks
A widespread safety investigation has revealed that several Scotrail trains have been found to have hairline cracks.
Scotrail said a “small number” of its class 385 electric trains were affected, while some of the fleet are undergoing further checks.
It follows Scotland-london operator LNER advising pasengers not to travel at the weekend after cracks were found in its new fleet of Azuma class 800 trains.
The cracks have been found in the chassis under the carriages, which, in a worst case scenario is thought could cause a derailment.
Several Scotrail trains have been found to have hairline cracks as part a widespread safety investigation also affecting other operators such as LNER, The Scotsman has learned.
Scotrail said a “small number” of its class 385 electric trains – which run on routes such as the main Edinburghglasgow line – were affected.
Some of the fleet of 70 Hitachi-built trains, which are less than three years old, are undergoing further checks.
It follows Scotland-london operator LNER advising pasengers not to travel today for a second day after cracks were found in its new fleet of Azuma class 800 trains.
LNER said some Azumas had returned to operation and were providing a reduced service between Edinburgh and London, but disruption was expected to continue “into this week”.
Transpennine Express, which also operates crossborder trains, has also been affected.
The cracks have been found in the chassis under the carriages, which, in a worst case scenario is thought could cause a derailment.
They relate to a lifting jack used for moving trains during maintenance, which could shear off.
A separate fault involving shock absorbers on trains built by Spanish manufacturer Caf has led to the entire Caledonian Sleeper fleet being checked as a precaution, but operator Serco said no problems had been found.
Disruption to Scotrail services today has been avoided by a strike by conductors and ticket examiners called by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT), which has forced the cancellation of most trains.
The company said checks on the class 385s, which run on several routes across the Central Belt, should be complete today and most would be able to return to service.
It said the vast majority of the fleet had been found not to have cracks.
A spokesperson said: "As a precaution, Hitachi is undertaking an inspection of all our class 385 trains.
"We aim to carry out inspections on all 385 trains before they re-enter service on Monday.”
Hitachi Rail said: "we are working as quickly and safely as possible to investigate the issue.”