Hitachi IEP electric testing begins as Didcot to Reading is energised
by
Sam Hewitt
–
BIG strides have been made in the Great Western electrification project.
On July 16 the overhead wires between Reading and Didcot were energised, allowing two Class 800 Hitachi IEP five-car sets to run on electric power.
Hitachi IEP No. 800004 in GW green livery works 1Z17 13.42 Reading-London Paddington through Sonning Cutting on its first run carrying passengers on June 30. Note the lack of catenary at this location, although progress is being made in other places. KEN BRUNT
This section will be used as a testing ground for the Class 800s until further sections are energised. Until this moment, the only electric running of the IEP trains at 25kV had been on the Old Dalby test track.
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About the Author
Sam Hewitt is the Digital Content Editor at Mortons Media Group.
Email: [email protected]
