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Brand new Scottish trains unveiled

The interior of the Class 385s. This shows part of both the first class (in the foreground) and standard class. SCOTRAIL.

Two weeks after it unveiled the Class 385 bodyshells, ScotRail has revealed the interiors of the Hitachi electric multiple units it will introduce into traffic from next year.

A full-size mock-up of the ‘385’ has gone on display at Edinburgh Waverley. It was unveiled by Scottish Transport Minister Derek Mackay on February 10 and remains on display until March 4.

“These brand new 100mph electric trains are being custom-made for Scotland’s railways,” said Mackay.

“They will enable ScotRail to deliver its franchise contractual commitments to increase capacity on the Edinburgh-Glasgow route, by offering 45% extra seats on Edinburgh-Glasgow peak services from late 2017.”

Phil Verster, managing director of the ScotRail Alliance, said: “This model that we are unveiling today gives our customers a glimpse into a future that, by next autumn, will be a reality. When we have them in service, they will transform travel between our two biggest cities.

“In just a few weeks our engineers will start work at Queen Street station that will allow us to run these amazing new trains. I know that when people see this model of their new train, they will understand the huge benefits that are heading their way.”

The mock-up shows Standard and First Class saloons, including some of the actual seating and tables that will be used when the first ‘385s’ enter traffic in autumn 2017. 

  • For more on the trains, read RAIL 794, published on February 17.

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  • Colin Cadden - 10/02/2016 13:22

    Do you have any photos of the bicycle provision?

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  • Dave - 10/02/2016 15:31

    No mention that this Project (EGIP) was deliberately DELAYED by SNP to fund their 'New Bridge' ... and that FRB refurb work which would have pre-empted the recent closure, was similarly delayed.

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  • John - 10/02/2016 19:37

    Too clinical like sitting in a mortuary waiting room.

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  • Gordon McRae - 10/02/2016 21:01

    I thought the 380 was the ugliest train I have ever seen but this brute may just eclipse it. Interior looks predictably plastic.

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  • Rosemary - 11/02/2016 07:44

    What's the wheelchair space provision going to be like please?

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  • will mitchell - 11/02/2016 12:50

    What is it with train designers and their obsession with rock hard seats, interrogation lighting and a complete lack of any aesthetic taste? What happened to modernist design and providing ergonomic comforts? Yet another moving torture chamber for Britain's railways, no doubt complete with the now customary incessant announcements.

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  • Andrewjgwilt1989 - 12/02/2016 00:25

    Very modern, stylish and commuter like as it is classed as a commuter suburban train that 70 of the Class 385's are to be built and manufactured before operating on passenger duties.

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  • davymac - 17/02/2016 23:10

    When will we see anything better than a Cattle Wagon on the East Kilbride line !!!

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  • ScotRail Passenger - 27/04/2022 07:48

    Cool

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