First British-built Class 800 IEP completed

by

THE first UK-built five-car Class 800 IEP has rolled off the production line at Hitachi Rail Europe’s (HRE) new £82million train building factory at Newton Aycliffe.

Set No. 800005 gets glitter covered, emerging from the works at Newton Aycliffe on December 9. Pictures: CHRIS MILNER

It is just 15 months since the then Prime Minister David Cameron formally opened the facility.

Set No. 800005 emerged to a fanfare from the commissioning shed on December 9 before being inspected by guests at a ceremony attended by Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling and Japanese Ambassador to the UK Koji Tsuruoka.

Article continues below…
Advert

Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save

Alongside in the commissioning shed was set No. 800006, another Newton Aycliffe product.

Hitachi’s 31.5 acre factory, which includes storage sidings and a test track, is situated close to where George Stephenson assembled Locomotion No. 1, the first locomotive to carry passengers on a public rail line.

The emergence of the
British-built first IEP was hailed by HRE managing director Karen Boswell as “a celebration of the return of train manufacturing” to the area.

Article continues below…
Advert

Read more in January’s issue of The RM


Advert
Subscribe to The Railway Magazine
Enjoy more of The Railway Magazine reading every month. Click here to subscribe.

Railway Reads

From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.


Article Tags:

About the Author