Hornby R3579 Hitachi IEP Bi-Mode Class 800

Running as both five-car and nine-car units, trains can be extended up to a maximum of twelve cars, with a maximum total multiple length of 312 metres, in both bi-mode and electric versions. Hitachi’s rolling stock for the Intercity Express Programme is split into three classes; the Class 800 bi-mode, powered from either the 25kV Overhead Electric Supply or the internal MTU 12V 1600 R80L engines, the Class 801 operating from the 25kV Overhead Electric Supply only and the Class 802 bi-mode, powered from either the 25kV Overhead Electric Supply or from upgraded internal MTU 12V 1600 R80L engines that deliver 940hp per engine, as opposed to the 750hp of the Class 800. Each of the three classes are then split into sub-classes, depending on train length.

The roll out begins in 2017, with the five car Class 800/0 sets on the West Country Main Line, followed by the introduction of Class 800/1 nine car sets and Class 800/2 five car sets on the East Coast Main Line. Class 800/3 nine car sets are being converted from the originally ordered Class 801/2 sets by Hitachi Rail Italy and these will run on the West Country Main Line as well.

The five-car Class 800/0 has a seating capacity of forty-five in First Class and 270 in Standard Class, with the nine-car Class 800/1 having a seating capacity of 101 in First Class and 526 in Standard Class. The five-car is made up from a standard driving car, two standard motor carriages, a composite motor carriage and composite driving car, with the nine-car having an additional standard motor carriage, two standard trailer carriages and a first motor carriage. The Intercity Express Programme was developed to increase capacity into London termini during peak times; original calculations predicting that the Hitachi’s trains would boost capacity by up to 28% into King’s Cross, and up to 40% going into Paddington during the morning rush hour period. Once infrastructure is upgraded, average journey times are due to be cut by up to fifteen minutes on routes from London to Cardiff, Swansea, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

Class 800/0 Set no. 800 002 is one of three Hitachi IEP test train sets to operate at the Rail Innovation and Development Centre and has operated along the thirteen mile former Midland Railway route since April 2015. The test trains to date have covered over 100,000 miles of testing. This Limited Edition Test Train pack features DPTF no. 815 002 and DPTS no. 811 002 in the striking Hitachi test and demonstration livery and once it has completed its test programme, the set will move to Great Western Railway to enter service.

Technical Specification & Detail