New Intercity Express Trains for GWR’s Devon and Cornwall route reach new milestone

The new fleet of Intercity Express Trains for Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Devon and Cornwall route has reached a new milestone.  

The test train being loaded at Kobe port, Japan.

The first test train left Japan on Wednesday 26 April bound for the UK. The five car train is expected to reach Southampton port in June.  

The Devon and Cornwall fleet, Class 802, is currently being built in Pistoia, Italy and due to enter passenger service next summer (2018).

In total three test trains will be used ahead of the trains entering passenger service in 2018.

The Class 800 fleet is already being tested in the UK and due to enter service later this year on routes between London and the West of England, and the Cotswolds. This fleet is being built at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.