First glimpse of the new Avanti trains set to be rolled out by 2022
WORK is under way to build a new fleet of trains, with many of the new engines set to replace those currently calling at Coventry.
Avanti West Coast are working on replacing the ageing diesel Voyager trains over the coming years, introducing lower emission electric and bi-mode stock to the West Coast Main Line.
And, while pictures of their work at the Newton Aycliffe facility in County Durham shows that some work is still to come before the fleet will be ready, Coventry and the rest of the nation’s railways can expect to see them come into service from 2022.
All told, the new fleet will comprise of 10 Class 807 seven carriage electric trains and 13 Class 805 five carriage bi-mode trains.
According to Avanti, replacing the current diesel trains with the Class 805 stock will result in a 61 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.
The new trains are set to belong to the Japanese Hitachi family of trains, and it comes as little surprise that they are being built in Newton Aycliffe, with Hitachi having invested £110million in the facility.
It includes a £8.5million welding and painting facility, which will ultimately see the new fleet painted in the signature colours of the Avanti brand by the time that they enter into service.
Phil Whittingham, managing director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Hitachi Rail, and it’s UK supply chain, to build a fleet of new trains that will transform the travelling experience for our customers on the West Coast Main Line.
“The investment is a key part of our exciting plans to raise the bar for the UK rail industry, and will deliver a significant reduction in carbon emissions.”
Jim Brewin, head of UK and Ireland, Hitachi Rail, said: “The £110 million we have now invested at Newton Aycliffe is not only a sign of our continued commitment to the North East of England but also British manufacturing and its supply chain.
“At the heart of our commitment is the continued development of a highly skilled and dynamic workforce and 70 apprenticeships will drive the rail industry forward at home and abroad for many years to come.”