Pictures: Body shell of Hull Trains’ first new Class 802 completed

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Photo: Hull Trains.
Photo: Hull Trains.
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The shell of operator Hull Trains’ first Class 802 train has been completed.

Hitachi is building a fleet of five new intercity trains, financed by Angel Trains, to replace the existing Class 180s.

The shells of the new trains are being built at Hitachi Rail’s manufacturing plant in Kasado, Japan.

Work on the trains will then be completed at Hitachi’s site in Pistoia, Italy before being tested and shipped to the UK for use on the East Coast mainline from December 2019.

The Class 802s will operate using diesel and electric traction and will benefit from Hitachi’s “bullet train technology” to make the trains light and aerodynamic.


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Photo: Hull Trains.
Photo: Hull Trains.

Hull Trains managing director Louise Cheeseman said: “Following this investment we will be able to boast some of the most technologically advanced, fastest and most comfortable trains on the UK rail network.

“It is great news for our customers, who are always at the centre of our focus, and means we will provide more in terms of service, as well as potentially reduce journey times.”

The new trains form part of a £60 million investment Hull Trains is making to improve its service which will see customers benefit from a 20 per cent boost in seating capacity.

The new fleet will also be quieter and more environmentally friendly, reducing harmful emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to other trains using the East Coast mainline.

Photo: Hull Trains.
Photo: Hull Trains.

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