First Group Class 803 arrives

BODYSHELLS that will be used to build the first Class 803 unit for First Group’s open access operation between Edinburgh and London have arrived at the Hitachi factory, Newton Aycliffe.

First has ordered five five-car AT300 EMUs for the operation, which will be fitted out at the County Durham site.

The aim is to start the new service in May 2021, which will have Standard Class accommodation only.

These trains are electric only, but will be fitted with batteries for on-train services in the event of an external power failure.