Testing of ScotRail’s new Class 385 underway

The introduction of faster and longer trains in Scotland has moved a step closer as testing begins on ScotRail’s Class 385 electric trains.

ScotRail’s Class 385 arriving in the UK following a 5-week sea transfer from Japan

Tests are currently underway on ScotRail’s new Class 385 electric trains at the Velim test centre in the Czech Republic. According to the operator, the vehicle has already achieved its design speed.

Second four-car Class 385 train arrives in the UK from Japan

Additionally, a second train – a four-car vehicle without interiors – has now arrived in the UK following a 5-week sea transfer from Japan. These carriages are scheduled to arrive in Scotland for testing later this year.

Hitachi Rail Europe will deliver 70 Class 385s – 46 three-car and 24 four-car units. Work on building the remainder of the fleet is ongoing at its manufacturing facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.  

Further testing will now begin, with a comprehensive driver training programme beginning in spring 2017.

The new Class 385 fleet will be phased into passenger service from autumn 2017.