The first Class 800 Intercity Express (IEP) train has successfully carried its first test run on the Great Western Main Line.
Over the weekend, the first train of the new fleet travelled from Reading to Didcot under the line’s new overhead electrification system. Electric services are set to go live in 2019.
Overseen by Network Rail, two test runs were carried out, with the train reaching speeds of 125 mph.
Mark Langman, route managing director for Network Rail Western, said “This is a great step forward, and I’d like to pay tribute to the team who have worked very hard to make this happen.
“This is the future of rail being built before our eyes and it’s a very exciting time to be involved in this project.
“This weekend we’ve come a big step closer to providing faster, quieter, and more efficient services to the people of the region who depend on railways.”
What about testing the Class 800 train on the East Coast Main Line powered by 25kv Overhead with the pantograph up and to be tested between King’s Cross and York and maybe as far as Newcastle and Edinburgh Waverley.
Testing is ongoing, there’s photos online. I’ve seen several IEP units in passing.
What on the Great Western Main Line or East Coast Main Line or both main lines.
I live near the East Coast line so I see units there when I’m waiting for trains (they seem to be doing movements in the daytime), but there are photos of them on both. Don’t you worry, they’re being very thoroughly tested.
Ok. Cool.