The first of TransPennine Express’s new Nova 1 test trains completed its two-month journey from Japan this week, arriving at the Port of Southampton on Monday.
The train’s journey included crossing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, as well as passing through the Panama Canal.
The modern Japan-built bullet train inspired fleet is being built by Hitachi and financed by Angel Trains.
People will be able to catch their first glimpse of the train this summer when it begins testing in the North.
From 2019 this fleet will connect major cities in the North of England and Scotland, running from Manchester and Liverpool, across the Pennines to cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The trains will provide 161 additional seats compared to the existing ones on the busy intercity route.
Customers will benefit from spacious carriages, providing extra legroom and additional luggage space and the experience on-board will be completely transformed.
Each new train will offer fast, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as complimentary on-board entertainment system, Exstream, allowing customers to stream the latest movies and TV shows during their journey.
The investment in these new trains is supporting thousands of jobs across the UK through Hitachi’s decision to choose over 30 UK firms to supply key components.
Businesses chosen include Lucchini Unipart Rail (LUR), whose Manchester factory will build wheel sets for the trains.
The fleet will also support long-term jobs at depots along the route, including Hitachi’s newly-built £80m depot in Doncaster.
Hitachi is using its famous Japanese-bullet train technology to make the new Nova 1 fleet light and aerodynamic.
The 19 trains will all be hybrid, meaning they can switch seamlessly mid-journey between electric and diesel power.
The trains, will be able to run in either five or ten carriage formation, capable of speeds of up to 140mph in electric mode and 125 mph using diesel engines.
By using modern MTU engines from Rolls-Royce, the trains will cut harmful emissions under diesel power by up to 90%.
Berry Sas, projects director for Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “Today is another important milestone as we deliver pioneering new trains for millions of passengers in the North and Scotland.
“We will begin our rigorous test programme in the coming weeks, which I’m sure will excite passengers and enthusiasts along the route.”
