British Rail Class 800

Design

The Class 800 is a high-speed bi-modal multiple unit with electric motors that can draw power from overhead lines or from onboard underfloor diesel generators. The changeover between modes can occur at line speed. Great Western franchise units can be converted to electric-only operation by removing the diesel engines. Hitachi designed the rolling stock to comply with European standards from 2014, including Technical Specifications for Interoperability and UK railway standards, aiming for flexibility across different lines and future electrification.

The front-end cars feature a collision safety structure compliant with European standards, an automatic coupling system, and measures to reduce air resistance and noise. The driving cab includes physical switches and monitors designed to relevant standards and driver feedback from Human Factors engagement. The Train Control and Management System runs on an ethernet-based communication system, providing onboard information systems such as seat reservation, public address, and passenger information, and interfacing with cab displays, the on-train data recorder, and 3G/4G communications.

Introduction into service

The Class 800 trains, marketed as the Intercity Express Train (IET), began service on the Great Western Main Line on 16 October 2017. The first trip ran behind schedule, and a faulty air conditioning unit in one carriage leaked water into the passenger area. After additional problems, the trains were pulled from service for the rest of 19 October, returning the following day. The type was originally scheduled to start on the East Coast Main Line in December 2018, but this was delayed by six months because electromagnetic emissions interfered with signals and trackside equipment.

On 30 June 2016, GWR test unit 800004 carried invited guests from Reading to London Paddington. On 14 June 2017, Queen Elizabeth II named unit 800003 at Paddington Station, having arrived on it from Slough to mark the 175th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s first train journey by a reigning monarch.

The name appears as a decal, with Queen Victoria on the opposite end. On 15 May 2019, the first Class 800 entered East Coast service under the Azuma brand, initially working routes to Leeds, Hull, and Newark. On 1 August 2019, one unit ran the Flying Scotsman service from Edinburgh to King’s Cross.

Interiors

Passenger compartments are divided into first class and standard class. The vestibule area includes exterior doors, storage for luggage and bicycles, and a universal accessibility toilet, and can be configured with catering facilities including a kitchen. The interior was designed to meet the Persons with Reduced Mobility-TSI standard and to satisfy varying operator requirements, with a standardised basic layout. The interiors have been praised for increased leg-room and more seats and tables in standard class compared to replaced trains.

However, seats in both classes have been criticised for excessive hardness and discomfort on lengthy journeys, and the first class experience was considered a downgrade as seats are no longer leather due to fire regulations. The GWR IET has been criticised for lacking a buffet car, with catering provided by trolley, and for not allowing surfboards due to limited space. The LNER Azuma retains a small 'micro' buffet.

Accidents and incidents

On 13 November 2019, an LNER Azuma (800109) collided with a Class 43 HST powercar at Neville Hill Depot, Leeds, when the Class 800 ran into the rear of the HST at 15 mph and 5 mph respectively. Three carriages of the Class 800 derailed, and the leading vehicle of the Class 800 and trailing locomotive of the HST were severely damaged. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch report published on 18 November 2020 found driver error was the cause, with insufficient training as an underlying cause.

The collision's effect was exacerbated because crashworthiness requirements did not require effects of collisions under 23.5 mph to be considered, nor did they include criteria for assessing derailment performance. On 26 April 2021, GWR temporarily withdrew eight 5-car Class 800 sets after finding cracks in yaw damper brackets. On 8 May 2021, GWR, LNER, and Hull Trains suspended most Class 800 series trains after cracks were found on welds of lifting pads on an IET trainset. Significant disruption occurred, with some trains returning to service from 13 May 2021.

Did You Know?

• Great Western Railway's Class 800 and 802 units are named after 'inspirational people' who have influenced the regions the company serves.
• Unit 800010 was named Michael Bond on 10 January 2018 at Paddington by his daughter, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Paddington Bear books.
• On 1 May 2021, unit 800025 Captain Sir Tom Moore arrived at London Paddington after stopping at 100 stations in 40 hours for charity.