Rail minister Stephen Hammond visited DCA’s workshop facilities in Warwick to view the full size mock up of the Class 800 series train to be built by Hitachi Rail Europe.
DCA hosted the visit, during which Hitachi’s Andrew Rogers explained to Mr Hammond the process that Hitachi and DCA have followed to develop the passenger and cab interior designs. This inclusive process has actively engaged with the widest possible range of stakeholders and the mock up has been a key communication tool in this process, helping the interested parties to provide input into the development and acceptance process.
Mr Hammond then spent the remainder of the visit on board the 30 metre mock up, getting a first look at the environment passengers will enjoy as the trains are rolled out on the Great Western Line from 2017 and on the East Coast Main Line from 2018.
The mock up has been designed and constructed to incorporate examples of all the different train interior environments. So the Minister was able to experience not only the 1st and Standard Class passenger saloons, but also view both formats of onboard toilet facilities, the bulk and bike storage areas, and, of course, the driver’s cab.
Rail minister Stephen Hammond said: “I was very impressed with the mock-up of the Class 800 / 801 train, and interested to hear about the lengths that the designers have gone to in ensuring that the views of passengers and other stakeholders have been included. We are investing £38bn to transform the rail network over the next five years - a record amount of funding that will generate growth, create jobs and boost business.
“The Intercity Express Programme is a vital part of that transformation and the new trains will provide passengers with an improved travelling experience. I look forward to seeing them come into operation.”
