British Rail Class 801
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| British Rail Class 801 Azuma | |
|---|---|
LNER 9-car Class 801/2 unit in 2025 | |
LNER Class 801 standard-class saloon | |
| Stock type | Electric multiple unit |
| In service | 16 September 2019–present |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi Rail |
| Built at |
|
| Family name | A-train |
| Replaced | InterCity 225 |
| Constructed | 2017–2020 |
| Number built |
|
| Number in service | 42 |
| Formation |
|
| Fleet numbers |
|
| Capacity |
|
| Owner | Agility Trains |
| Operator | London North Eastern Railway |
| Depots | |
| Line served | East Coast Main Line |
| Specifications | |
| Car body construction | Aluminium |
| Train length |
|
| Car length |
|
| Width | 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Doors |
|
| Maximum speed | 125 mph (200 km/h)[3] |
| Weight |
|
| Traction system | Hitachi IGBT[1] |
| Prime mover | 1 × MTU 12V 1600 R80L[5] (emergency use only) |
| Engine type | V12 four-stroke turbo-diesel with SCR[6] |
| Displacement | 21 L (1,284 cu in)[6] |
| Power output |
|
| Acceleration | 0.7 m/s2 (1.6 mph/s)[1] |
| Deceleration |
|
| Electric system | 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead |
| Current collection | Pantograph |
| UIC classification |
|
| Wheels driven |
|
| Braking systems | Electro-pneumatic (disc) and regenerative |
| Safety systems | |
| Coupling system | Dellner 10[9] |
| Multiple working | Within class and classes 800 and 802 |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge |
The British Rail Class 801 Azuma is a class of electric multiple unit (EMU) built by Hitachi Rail for London North Eastern Railway. The units have been built since 2017 at Hitachi's Newton Aycliffe Manufacturing Facility and have been used on services on the East Coast Main Line since 16 September 2019. As part of its production, the Class 801 units were ordered as part of the Intercity Express Programme and are in the Hitachi AT300 product family, alongside the closely related Class 800 units.[10][11] LNER have branded the units as the Azuma, just like on their Class 800 units.[12]
Background and design
[edit]As part of the UK Government's Intercity Express Programme, the Class 801 units were to be built as replacements for the InterCity 125 and InterCity 225 sets which were the main trains used for services on the Great Western Main Line (GWML) and the East Coast Main Line (ECML) at the time.[13] Differing from the Class 800 units, which they were built alongside, the Class 801 units were designed as purely electric multiple units, but with one diesel engine fitted to a single coach of each unit for emergency use. The Class 801 units were to enter service for both Great Western Railway and London North Eastern Railway but due to delays in the electrification of the GWML, it was announced in June 2016 that 21 nine-car (801/0) sets that were going to enter service with GWR would instead be converted to bi-modal operation.[14] As a consequence, all of these sets were re-classified as 800/3 units and the Class 801 units only see operation on the ECML. However, GWR do have the option to convert all of their Class 800 units to electric-only operation by removal of the diesel engines should it be exercised, in which case they would be re-classified as a Class 801 unit.[15]
Operations
[edit]
The first service to be operated with Class 801 units ran on 16 September 2019, with a pair of 801/1 five-car units operating several services between Leeds and London King's Cross, as well as one return trip between King's Cross and Newark Northgate.[16] Three further pairs of five-car units entered service through the rest of September.[17]
The nine-car Class 801/2 units were introduced on 18 November 2019, between King's Cross and Edinburgh. This allowed a cascade of Class 800/1 units onto services between King's Cross and Aberdeen, which in turn allowed LNER to withdraw its InterCity 125 sets from that route.[18]
Fleet details
[edit]| Subclass | Operator | Qty. | Year built | Cars per unit | Unit nos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 801/1 Azuma[19] | London North Eastern Railway | 12 | 2017–2020 | 5 | 801101–801112 |
| 801/2 Azuma | 30 | 9 | 801201–801230 |
Illustrations
[edit]Named units
[edit]| Unit number | Date | Name | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 801204 | 22 September 2024 | Our Planet | Named after the company's commitment to more sustainable transport. Livery has been applied with a partially biologically based material, the first of its kind in the UK. | [20] |
| 801205 | 27 March 2025 | She's electric | [21][22] | |
| 801207 | 14 January 2025 | Darlington | Unveiled to mark 200 years since the first passenger journey on the world-famous Stockton and Darlington Railway. | [23] |
| 801224 | 19 May 2025 | Bradford 2025 - UK City of Culture | Unveiled to mark the official opening of Platform 0 at Bradford Forster Square and to celebrate Bradford becoming the UK City of Culture. | [24] |
| 801225 | 13 February 2024 | Eleanor | Named after the company's new mascot as part of an advertising campaign. | [25] |
| 801226 | 1 June 2023 | Together | Pride livery | [26] |
| 801228 | 15 May 2023 | Century | Unveiled to mark 100 years since the creation of the London and North Eastern Railway | [27] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g Rogers, Andrew; Robinson, Chris; Agatsuma, Koji; Iwasaki, Mitsuo; Inarida, Satoru; Yamamoto, Takahisa; Konishi, Kenta; Mochida, Toshihiko (2014). "Development of Class 800/801 High-speed Rolling Stock for UK Intercity Express Programme" (PDF). Hitachi Review. 63 (10): 646.
- ^ "Azuma Coach Layouts" (PDF). LNER. Retrieved 3 January 2026.
- ^ "Speed limiters for Hitachi fleets". Traction & Stock. The Railway Magazine. Vol. 168, no. 1457. August 2022. p. 92.
- ^ "Table 1: Inter City Express classes 800, 801 and 802" (PDF). RailEngineer. October 2017.
- ^ MTU Rail Power for the UK & Ireland (PDF). MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH. September 2018. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 December 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
- ^ a b MTU Diesel Engine 12V 1600 for Railcar Applications (EU Stage IIIB) (PDF) (01/19 ed.). Friedrichshafen: Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG. 17 December 2020. 32310481. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
- ^ Barrow, Keith (15 January 2014). "Hitachi gains TSI certification for onboard ETCS". International Railway Journal. Simmons-Boardman Publishing. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ Clinnick, Richard (27 February 2019). "EXCLUSIVE: ECML go-ahead for Azumas, but modifications still needed". Rail Magazine. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ Pritchard, Robert (2021). British Railways Locomotives & Coaching Stock 2021. Sheffield: Platform 5 Publishing. p. 390. ISBN 978-1-909431-86-7.
- ^ Department for Transport; McLoughlin, Patrick (18 July 2013). "Government gives green light for more state-of-the-art intercity trains". GOV.UK (Press release). Retrieved 2 January 2020.
- ^ "AT300 - Intercity High Speed". London: Hitachi Rail. Archived from the original on 21 February 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2019.
- ^ "September 16 launch for Class 801 Azumas on London-Leeds route". www.railmagazine.com. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
- ^ "DfT Confirms Second Intercity Trains". Railnews. 18 July 2013.
- ^ "Hitachi converts GWR '801s' to bi-mode operation". Rail. 8 June 2016.
- ^ Preston-Ellis, Rom (18 July 2018). "GWR gives update on when we will get speedy new express trains". DevonLive. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- ^ London North Eastern Railway [@lner] (16 September 2019). "Our first 10-car Azuma has entered service today" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Clinnick, R. (1 August 2019). "September 16 launch for Class 801 Azumas on London-Leeds route". Rail Magazine. Peterborough: Bauer Consumer Media. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
- ^ Butcher, S. (25 September 2020). "East Coast HST finale". The Railway Hub. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. Retrieved 16 November 2020.
- ^ Clinnick, Richard, ed. (March 2025). "New livery for Azuma". Modern Railways. Vol. 82, no. 918. Stamford: Key Publishing. p. 18. ISSN 0026-8356.
- ^ "LNER Introduces 'Our Planet':The Named Train Championing Sustainable Travel". London North Eastern Railway (Press release). 22 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ "LNER Rolls With It, Announcing Special Oasis Service To London" (Press release). London North Eastern Railway. Retrieved 27 March 2025.
- ^ "(What's The Story?) Oasis Fans Mad For Special LNER Service" (Press release). London North Eastern Railway. Retrieved 28 July 2025.
- ^ "LNER Unveils 'Darlington' Livery as it Celebrates 200 Years of the Railway" (Press release). London North Eastern Railway. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Bradford Forster Square's Platform 0 officially opened as LNER ups London services". Rail Magazine. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ "LNER's New V.I.P Eleanor Gets Her Very Own Train" (Press release). London North Eastern Railway. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ Aston, Jon (1 June 2023). "LNER Names Train 'Together' in celebration of PRIDE and Inclusivity". RailAdvent. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
- ^ "Journey of a Century: LNER Launches First Named Azuma Train Celebrating 100 Years" (Press release). London North Eastern Railway. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
British Rail Class 801
View on GrokipediaBackground and design
Development
The Intercity Express Programme (IEP) was launched by the UK's Department for Transport in 2005 to procure a new generation of intercity trains, aimed at replacing the aging High Speed Trains (HSTs) and InterCity 225 (IC225) sets that had been in service on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and Great Western Main Line (GWML) since the 1970s and 1990s, respectively.[7] This initiative sought to modernize the UK's long-distance rail network by introducing more efficient, higher-capacity rolling stock capable of supporting ongoing electrification efforts and improving passenger experience on these key routes.[8] In July 2012, Hitachi, through its consortium Agility Trains, was awarded a £5.8 billion contract (including options) to supply up to 866 vehicles as part of the IEP, including the all-electric Class 801 units specifically tailored for the fully electrified ECML.[1] The Class 801 was developed as the electric-only counterpart to the bi-mode Class 800, sharing the same core platform design while omitting diesel propulsion for routes with continuous overhead wiring.[1] This procurement marked a significant investment in domestic manufacturing, with Hitachi committing to build a new assembly plant to support the program. Construction of the Newton Aycliffe facility in County Durham began in 2015, following the site's preparation and official opening that September, enabling on-site assembly of the IEP fleet.[9] The first Class 801 units were completed in 2017, with full-scale production running from 2017 to 2020 at the plant, where bodyshells shipped from Japan were finalized into complete trainsets. The initial order for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) included 12 five-car Class 801/1 units and 30 nine-car Class 801/2 units, providing flexible formations for ECML services.[4] In 2019, LNER introduced the "Azuma" branding for these units, drawing from the Japanese word for "east" to highlight their Hitachi origins and eastward-focused operations along the ECML.[4]Design features
The British Rail Class 801 units are constructed on Hitachi's A-train modular platform, which employs a lightweight aluminium car body with a double-skin structure joined by friction stir welding to enhance strength while minimising weight.[1] This design contributes to improved energy efficiency compared to traditional steel-bodied trains by reducing overall mass and aerodynamic drag.[1] The platform's modular approach allows for flexible interior configurations and easier maintenance, supporting the Intercity Express Programme's goals for high-speed electrification on the East Coast Main Line. The traction system features distributed power with permanent magnet synchronous motors, providing a total electric output of 2,712 kW for 5-car units and 4,520 kW for 9-car units, enabling acceleration up to 0.7 m/s².[3][1] Regenerative braking is integrated to recover kinetic energy during deceleration, enhancing overall efficiency. For resilience against overhead line failures, each unit incorporates a single MTU 12V 1600 R80L V12 diesel generator rated at 560 kW, allowing limited emergency propulsion at low speeds.[4] The system uses IGBT-based converters and inverters for precise control, compliant with Stage IIIB emissions standards. Passenger-focused design prioritises comfort and accessibility, with 5-car units offering 302 seats (48 first-class and 254 standard-class) and 9-car units providing 611 seats (101 first-class and 510 standard-class).[2] Interiors include air-conditioning throughout, free Wi-Fi connectivity, and fully accessible toilets meeting Persons with Reduced Mobility - Technical Specifications for Interoperability (PRM-TSI) requirements. The aerodynamic profile incorporates flush sides, rounded end fairings, and a "one-motion form" exterior to minimise air resistance at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. Additionally, the trains are equipped for European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 operation, facilitating automatic train protection and higher line capacity. In September 2025, an LNER Class 801 completed successful trials of upgraded ETCS equipment, confirming compatibility with ECML digital signaling upgrades.[1][10]Operations
Testing and entry into service
Prototype testing of the British Rail Class 801 began in 2017, with initial electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) trials conducted by GB Railfreight to ensure compatibility with UK infrastructure.[11] Mainline testing commenced on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) in January 2018, when the first five-car unit, 801101, operated from Doncaster Carr to Darlington and back, evaluating performance under operational conditions including dynamic braking and pantograph interaction with the 25 kV AC overhead electrification system.[12] Full certification was achieved in 2019, with the Office of Rail and Road granting interoperability authorisation on 27 March under the Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) and compliance with UK Railway Group Standards (RGS), enabling deployment on the national network.[13] The first passenger service operated by Class 801 units commenced on 16 September 2019, with a pair of five-car sets (doubled to form a 10-car train) running from London King's Cross to Leeds as part of London North Eastern Railway (LNER) services.[5] Initial fleet rollout prioritised five-car units for shorter routes such as London King's Cross to Leeds, with four pairs in service by late September 2019.[5] Nine-car units were accepted starting in October 2019 and introduced progressively through 2021, with the full fleet entering service by May 2021, allowing for extended formations on longer-distance services.[14] Early operational adaptations included software refinements in 2019-2020 to enhance acceleration performance on steep gradients, such as the 1 in 70 incline at Stoke Summit on the ECML.Current routes and performance
The British Rail Class 801 units are operated exclusively by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on the East Coast Main Line, providing high-speed intercity services from London King's Cross to key northern destinations including Edinburgh, Leeds, York, and Newcastle.[15] These electric multiple units entered service in 2019, with route expansions enabling more frequent and efficient operations since then.[16] For long-distance routes, such as London King's Cross to Edinburgh—a distance of approximately 393 miles (632 km)—Class 801 trains typically run in 9-car formations, completing the journey in around 4 hours 10 minutes under the December 2025 timetable, corresponding to an average speed of about 94 mph (151 km/h).[17] Shorter regional services, for example to Leeds (about 2 hours 20 minutes), often utilize 5-car units or coupled sets to match demand and optimize capacity.[18] The units' operational top speed is limited to 125 mph (201 km/h) on the current infrastructure, though their design supports up to 140 mph (225 km/h) once the full European Train Control System (ETCS) is rolled out across the East Coast Main Line.[19] This capability, combined with improved acceleration over predecessors like the InterCity 225 sets, has contributed to journey time reductions on principal routes through faster station departures and smoother running.[1] Energy efficiency on fully electrified sections stands at approximately 0.028 kWh per seat-kilometer, reflecting the lightweight aluminum construction and advanced traction systems that minimize consumption during high-speed operations.[20] For operational flexibility, particularly during engineering works or on partially electrified paths, Class 801 sets are frequently coupled with bi-mode Class 800 units, allowing diesel power supplementation without dedicated engine cars.[21]Fleet details
Unit formations and specifications
The British Rail Class 801 units are available in two formations: a 5-car variant (801/1) and a 9-car variant (801/2). The 5-car formation consists of a driving power trailer standard (DPTS), two motor standards (MS), a motor composite (MC), and a driving power trailer first (DPTF). The 9-car formation comprises a DPTS, three MS, two trailer standards (TS), an MC, a motor first (MF), and a DPTF. These configurations are based on Hitachi's modular A-train design, utilising lightweight aluminium alloy carbodies constructed via friction stir welding for enhanced durability and reduced mass.[1] The fleet comprises 12 five-car units numbered 801101 to 801112 and 30 nine-car units numbered 801201 to 801230, all manufactured by Hitachi Rail at their Newton Aycliffe facility between 2017 and 2020. There are no major build variants beyond the 5-car and 9-car lengths; all units share identical specifications and are painted in London North Eastern Railway's standard blue and grey livery.[2][3] Key physical specifications for the Class 801 are summarised below:| Specification | 5-car (801/1) Unit | 9-car (801/2) Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 129.7 m | 233.7 m |
| Width | 2.7 m | 2.7 m |
| Height | 3.89 m | 3.89 m |
| Tare Weight | 233 tonnes | 420 tonnes |
| Axle Load | 14.7 tonnes | 14.7 tonnes |
| Bogie Wheelbase | 2.7 m | 2.7 m |
Named units
Several Class 801 units operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) have received official names and special liveries to commemorate significant events, figures, or themes, enhancing their cultural and promotional value on the East Coast Main Line. These namings, typically decided through internal LNER panels, staff votes, or passenger sponsorships, are displayed prominently on the cab sides and do not affect operational performance. Out of the fleet comprising 12 five-car and 30 nine-car units, only a select few have been named as of November 2025, focusing on heritage, inclusivity, and sustainability to engage passengers and highlight LNER's commitments.[22] The inaugural named Class 801 unit was 801228, dubbed "Century," unveiled in May 2023 at York station to mark the 100th anniversary of the London and North Eastern Railway's formation in 1923. This nine-car unit features a subtle heritage livery with "Century" lettering, symbolizing LNER's enduring legacy in intercity travel.[6] In June 2023, unit 801226 received the name "Together" along with a vibrant Pride-themed livery incorporating rainbow colors and inclusivity motifs, launched at London King's Cross to support LGBTQ+ initiatives during Pride Month. The naming reflects LNER's dedication to diversity, with the design applied across the train's exterior for visibility during summer services.[23] Following in February 2024, nine-car unit 801225 was named "Eleanor" after LNER's mascot from its advertising campaigns, unveiled at York to promote family-friendly travel. The livery includes playful graphics inspired by the puppet character, adding a whimsical element to the fleet while tying into broader marketing efforts.[24] Sustainability took center stage in September 2024 with unit 801204 named "Our Planet," featuring a bio-based vinyl wrap produced by 3M to reduce environmental impact, introduced on World Car Free Day at London King's Cross. This nine-car unit's green-themed design underscores LNER's net-zero ambitions, with the livery using partially plant-derived materials for lower carbon emissions during application.[25] In January 2025, nine-car unit 801207 was named "Darlington" and wrapped in a special "Railway 200" livery, unveiled at York station to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway—the world's first public steam passenger railway. The design includes bold "Darlington" and "Railway 200" graphics, honoring the town's pivotal role in UK rail history and LNER's East Coast routes.[26] In May 2025, nine-car unit 801224 was named "Bradford" to celebrate Bradford as the 2025 UK City of Culture, unveiled at Bradford Forster Square station alongside enhanced services to the city. The livery features "Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture" graphics, promoting cultural events and increased connectivity.[27] In July 2025, nine-car unit 801205 was named "She's Electric" for a special Oasis-themed service to London concerts, featuring custom band-inspired graphics on the cab. The temporary thematic design carried fans from northern stations, tying into the band's reunion and LNER's promotional events.[28]| Unit Number | Name | Theme/Significance | Unveiling Date | Livery Highlights | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 801228 (9-car) | Century | LNER centenary | May 2023 | Heritage lettering | [6] |
| 801226 (9-car) | Together | Pride and inclusivity | June 2023 | Rainbow motifs | [23] |
| 801225 (9-car) | Eleanor | Company mascot | February 2024 | Puppet-inspired graphics | [24] |
| 801204 (9-car) | Our Planet | Sustainability | September 2024 | Bio-based green wrap | [25] |
| 801207 (9-car) | Darlington | Railway 200 anniversary | January 2025 | Commemorative graphics | [26] |
| 801224 (9-car) | Bradford | UK City of Culture 2025 | May 2025 | Cultural event branding | [27] |
| 801205 (9-car) | She's Electric | Oasis reunion promotion | July 2025 | Band-themed cab design | [28] |
