Great Western Updates

As you should all know by now, Great Western Railway (GWR) have ordered a total of 36 Class 800s, 21 Class 801s and 29 Class 802s. The first branded Class 800 (800 004) has finally been unveiled at GWR's depot at Reading looking fine in its dark green GWR livery, similar to that of many refurbished Class 166s presently. The set was unveiled on 30th June 2016.

What's facinating is this unit has two names, one for each cab. 800004 is named Sir Daniel Gooch and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. A photograph courtesy of Jack Boskett, who was invited to North Pole depot on 28th June 2016, can be found below.

©Jack Boskett
The first of these new generation bi-modal units are due to enter service in 2017 (initially to South Wales and Bristol) once tests and driver training etc has been thoroughly completed and changes have been made.

Hitachi delivered this statement of pride on their Twitter feed:
"#TeamHitachi on a proud day. The first of many #GWRGreenMachine to be delivered for @GWRHelp" (A photo was attached, link here)

 Full stock plans in this page here.


Special Contribution
Many thanks to Andy L for contributing this fantastic photograph of the Torbay Express passing through breathtaking scenery between Teignmouth and Dawlish on the 3rd July 2016. The Locomotive hauling a rake of Crimson & Chocolate Mk1 carriages was 46100.
©Andy L
Well that wraps up today's post, thank you for reading. The next post on this blog will be tomorrow, a Station Focus by Harry. I'm back 21st July.
Liam.
Regards:

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