The Class 805 is part of the Intercity Express Programme family like the Class 802 and 810 and are bi-mode units for Avanti West Coast to replace the Class 221 on services between London Euston and north Wales. A big advantage of the 805 over the pure diesel 221 is that electric traction can be used while travelling under wires which a fair amount of the route is under.
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805 001 on test at Stafford, it had yet to receive Avanti WC livery |
Information |
Number built: |
65 (13 5-car sets) |
Built: |
2021- |
Builder: |
Hitachi |
Motor: |
Hitachi traction system (25kV AC OHLE) &
MTU 12V 1600 R80L diesel |
Testing of the units began in 2022 ahead of an expected entry into service by the end of 2023 but that has now been pushed back until Summer 2024.
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805 003 at Stafford |
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805 001 and 005 coupled up |
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805 004 passes through Stafford |