Azuma (Class 800/801)

Azuma (Class 800/801)
Name	Azuma (Class 800/801)
Service	2017–present
Manufacturer	Hitachi Hitachi Rail
Family	A-train
Yearconstruction	2014–2019
Numberbuilt	122 sets
Formation	5/9 cars
Operator	LNER, Hull Trains, TransPennine Express, Grand Central
Lines	East Coast Main Line, Great Western Main Line
Maxspeed	125 mph (201 km/h)
Gauge	Standard gauge

Azuma (Class 800/801) is a family of high‑speed electric and bi‑mode multiple unit trains built by Hitachi Rail for intercity services in the United Kingdom. Introduced from 2017, they operate on principal long‑distance routes replacing InterCity 125 and InterCity 225 fleets between major stations such as London King's Cross, Edinburgh Waverley, Leeds, and Newcastle.

Overview

The trains form part of the Intercity Express Programme procured for operators including LNER, Hull Trains, TransPennine Express, and Grand Central. Influenced by Hitachi's A-train family and developed after procurement involving the Department for Transport and Network Rail, the fleet was constructed at Hitachi's manufacturing facilities in Newton Aycliffe and Kasado Works, reflecting industrial partnerships between UK Government and Japan.

Design and Technical Specifications

The units utilise aluminium monocoque construction derived from Hitachi's A-train modular architecture, featuring distributed traction with underfloor diesel engines in bi‑mode variants and full electric traction in pure EMUs. Key systems include IET-class traction converters, regenerative braking compatible with 750 V DC third-rail and 25 kV AC overhead supply regimes used across the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line. Passenger amenities include air conditioning, accessible toilets compliant with Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations, Wi‑Fi connectivity, and passenger information systems interoperable with National Rail Enquiries and ORR standards. Safety and signalling compatibility were addressed for Traditional lineside signalling, ETCS pilot installations, and TPWS equipment.

Variants and Fleet Deployment

Two primary variants exist: the bi‑mode Class 800 with diesel generators for non‑electrified routes and the electric Class 801 EMU reliant on overhead electrification. Fleet allocations were made to LNER for East Coast operations, to Hull Trains for London–Hull services, to TransPennine Express for trans‑Pennine routes, and to open access operators like Grand Central. Formations of five and nine cars permit flexibility across route demands connecting hubs such as London King's Cross, Doncaster, Peterborough, and York.

Operations and Performance

In service the trains replaced InterCity 125 and InterCity 225 sets on long‑distance corridors, reducing journey times between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley and improving acceleration for services calling at Stevenage, Grantham, and Newark North Gate. Performance metrics reported higher reliability compared with older rolling stock, with regenerative braking energy recovery feeding into Network Rail electrification schemes. Operational challenges included diesel generator usage on the bi‑mode units for non‑electrified diversions and compatibility with Great Northern and Thameslink infrastructure clearances at constrained stations like Peterborough.

Incidents and Safety

Units have been subject to safety investigations by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch following events including engine fires, door faults, and signal passed at danger concerns. Notable responses involved temporary speed restrictions, fleet modifications, and software updates coordinated with ORR oversight. Operators implemented enhanced inspection regimes and retrofits addressing issues raised in technical bulletins from Hitachi Rail and maintenance contractors at depots including Doncaster Carr.

Manufacturing and Delivery

Construction occurred at Hitachi's Newton Aycliffe facility in County Durham and at Japanese support sites, with final assembly and commissioning overseen alongside Network Rail and operator teams. Delivery schedules aligned with the Intercity Express Programme contracts awarded in the 2010s, with build‑to‑order batches for LNER and open access operators. Industrial benefits cited included job creation in County Durham and supply‑chain work with companies across Tyne and Wear and Teesside.

Reception and Impact on UK Railways

Reception among operators and passengers highlighted improved onboard facilities, accessibility, and operational performance versus legacy fleets such as High Speed Train sets. Critics pointed to capacity constraints, reliability teething problems, and debates in Parliament over procurement costs and domestic content. Strategically, the fleet contributed to modernization objectives endorsed by successive transport ministers and influenced further electrification debates on corridors like the Great Western Main Line and TransPennine Route.

Category:High-speed trains of the United Kingdom Category:Hitachi multiple units