Class 810 for East Midlands Railway Construction/Introduction Updates

[Nym]

Surely there has to be some incentive for Hitachi to fix the diesel engines - aren't there any financial penalties for making sets available for service, even though engines are inoperable?

If it were financially sensible, they'd have fixed them.

 

[800001]

If it were financially sensible, they'd have fixed them.

I believe a lot of the issue is for serious issues, it is MTU, the engine manufacturer who has to fix the engines.

Obviously they need booking in to fix them, and most likely not enough people to fix what needs fixing.

 

[Richard123]

Surely there has to be some incentive for Hitachi to fix the diesel engines - aren't there any financial penalties for making sets available for service, even though engines are inoperable?

As Agility were making big profits while LNER were publicly complaining about the continuing non-availability of the number of trainsets required each day (and ended uo paying to retain some 91s), I doubt a missing GU is hurting them financially!

 

[Wyrleybart]

Both the GWR 800 and 802 contracts work on a fixed number of sets to be supplied each day. That hasn’t changed with the reduction in HST GTi sets, nor has the maintenance regime for those sets. The latter has always been mandated to give Hitachi serious shed time.

That’s how Hitachi structure all their 80x contracts and I strongly suspect the 810 units will be similar.

Thanks "CY". So on that basis the 800s are not impacted by the withdrawal of the "Castles" and the eventual transition to 175s in the west.
So if 800s are not working harder, why are their MTUs not standing up to "normal" service ?

 

[fgwrich]

I believe a lot of the issue is for serious issues, it is MTU, the engine manufacturer who has to fix the engines.

Obviously they need booking in to fix them, and most likely not enough people to fix what needs fixing.

I know we’re a little in danger of deviating again but, I wonder if the reason the MTU is struggling is for the amount of extra mileage they are having to cover on Diesel mode vs the intended mileage as Bi-Modal units. A few were sounding rough on my travels this week, not helped by missing GUs and Wheelslip causing those that were working to work even harder.

 

[John R]

Thanks "CY". So on that basis the 800s are not impacted by the withdrawal of the "Castles" and the eventual transition to 175s in the west.
So if 800s are not working harder, why are their MTUs not standing up to "normal" service ?

They weren’t doing more work than originally contracted because some of the services they were originally planned to operate (eg the two extra fasts per hour to Bristol and the Bedwyn to Paddington services) are not part of the service plan post COVID.

However, the profile of the replacement services is somewhat different, and I would imagine GUs would have to work harder.
(less electric, and more start stop of the GUs).

 

[superkev]

I know we’re a little in danger of deviating again but, I wonder if the reason the MTU is struggling is for the amount of extra mileage they are having to cover on Diesel mode vs the intended mileage as Bi-Modal units. A few were sounding rough on my travels this week, not helped by missing GUs and Wheelslip causing those that were working to work even harder.

Modern railways reported a while back that the problem was mainly due to inadequate cooling.

Seems to be a common problem over the years including the first HSTs requiring replacement cooler groups as well as more recent ones like the 230s.

With the 8xx powerpacks looking a miracle in packaging let's hope Hitachi have found a way to improve things with the uprated 810 engines.
K

 

[Railperf]

I'm sure by the time the full fleet is in use any timetable reset will take actual performance into consideration

Thankfully no-one has yet claimed that the new trains will reduce journey times!!

 

[Supercoss]

Today’s “ loaded” run conveying staff and volunteers

Realtime Trains | 1A27 1300 Etches Park Sdgs to St Pancras International | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 1A27 1300 departure from Etches Park Sdgs to St Pancras International on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

so described as class 1 vice 3
and return

Realtime Trains | 1A28 1548 St Pancras International to Etches Park Sdgs | 13/11/2025

Real-time train running information for 1A28 1548 departure from St Pancras International to Etches Park Sdgs on 13/11/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[800001]

Lead to believe that EMR will be hosting an event to press and dignitaries on Thursday 20th November called 'Aurora: New Dawn, New Era Preview Event'.
Believed to be a static event, unsure if at Derby station, or at Etches Park.

 

[nigelsporne]

I haven't been following this thread but I went across to Leicester last week to photo the 810s on test. 8 went north and 9 south. Looked lovely machines. Not being a regular user of EMR I was a little surprised at the proportion of First Class to Second and the frequency of the service. Being born and bred in Sheffield I knew we were posh but not that posh! Patronage was high which bodes well for the new stock.

 

[GoneSouth]

I'd say it's designed to waste money on loads of plastic stickers that will do nothing but add to cleaning costs and the quantity of plastic in landfill.

I walked over one of those a couple of days ago and didn’t even notice what it was until reading this. I was more interested in making a delayed connection as will the vast majority of people standing or parking their luggage on them.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 16 Nov 2025 ==

Lots of instances where doing it all on the first day was a bad idea (Leeds and Selby railway springs to mind).

Bit OT, but very briefly, what happened there?

 

[YorksLad12]

Bit OT, but very briefly, what happened there?

From Wikipedia:

By 22 September 1834, a single complete line of track had been built, and the railway was officially opened. A train of ten carriages, hauled by the locomotive "Nelson", set out from Marsh Lane station in Leeds at 6.30 am. To the embarrassment or amusement of those present, the locomotive got into difficulty on the incline at the tunnel. The wheels began to slip on wet rails, and despite the application of ash on the rails, initial progress was no better than walking pace.

Moral: test before opening

 

[43102EMR]

I haven't been following this thread but I went across to Leicester last week to photo the 810s on test. 8 went north and 9 south. Looked lovely machines. Not being a regular user of EMR I was a little surprised at the proportion of First Class to Second and the frequency of the service. Being born and bred in Sheffield I knew we were posh but not that posh! Patronage was high which bodes well for the new stock.

Minus the 222/1s that was the way Midland Mainline specced them when they were first ordered - quite a few used to be 9 car units, the remainder 4 car units until EMT re-shuffled them into the 7/5/4 car configurations. EMR

 

[nigelsporne]

Thanks for this. If there is a demand for First Class then fair enough.

 

[D365]

Inside sources at EMR stating that the first class 810 will enter service on 24th November, working 1C17.

1C17 is the 0700 Sheffield - St Pancras International

Is this diagram next Monday 24th still anticipated to be a Class 810?

 

[liamf656]

Is this diagram next Monday 24th still anticipated to be a Class 810?

It starts Tuesday 25th

According to RTT (currently a 7-car 222):
5C17 0522 Etches Park Sdgs - Sheffield
1C17 0700 Sheffield - St Pancras International
5C17 0923 St Pancras International - Cricklewood A To E Sidings
5F32 1103 Cricklewood A To E Sidings - St Pancras International
1F32 1132 St Pancras International - Sheffield
1C59 1400 Sheffield - St Pancras International
5D61 1620 St Pancras International - St Pancras International
1D61 1705 St Pancras International - Nottingham
1B88 1913 Nottingham - St Pancras International
1F82 2132 St Pancras International - Sheffield
5F82 0003 Sheffield - Etches Park Sdgs

(Passenger services in bold, ECS in italics)

 

[43055]

Thanks for this. If there is a demand for First Class then fair enough.

Probably changed a bit now but the breakfast services could fill the 3 coaches on a 7 car/HST.

 

[Railperf]

Looking at the sectional appendix, can anyone explain why there is a pan down board on the down fast track south of Elstree tunnel. Similarly there are pan up boards south of Elstree on the up. I couldn't see any corressponding boards north of those locations, so I am a bit confused about why this is there.

 

[Supercoss]

Overnight, 10 car set expected into St Pancras units 3&4 (5Q31) uncoupling and coupling tests at the Terminus

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2025 ==

Those power change over signs have been removed (August 24th) Class 810 can obey “HST” permissible speeds south of Bedford.

 

[Kneedown]

Looking at the sectional appendix, can anyone explain why there is a pan down board on the down fast track south of Elstree tunnel. Similarly there are pan up boards south of Elstree on the up. I couldn't see any corressponding boards north of those locations, so I am a bit confused about why this is there.

Those boards have now been removed.
As the original introduction for the 810s was planned to take place before the wires south of Bedford were upgraded for 125 capability, the plan was to run on diesel from Bedford to Mill Hill area, where they would again change to electric for the last few miles into London.
The delays to the 810s have negated the need for these boards as they can now run at full speed on electric.

 

[Railperf]

Those boards have now been removed.
As the original introduction for the 810s was planned to take place before the wires south of Bedford were upgraded for 125 capability, the plan was to run on diesel from Bedford to Mill Hill area, where they would again change to electric for the last few miles into London.
The delays to the 810s have negated the need for these boards as they can now run at full speed on electric.

Okay, so the PDF sectional appendix is out of date then. It didn't show any pan up/down boards at Bedford either.

 

[Kneedown]

Okay, so the PDF sectional appendix is out of date then. It didn't show any pan up/down boards at Bedford either.

The one's at Oakley-Bedford area were never installed.

 

[Bob85]

I've heard loads of conflicting information as to the expected entry into service date, some people have been saying November (this month) but EMR has been saying December.
Does anyone know the actual plans?

 

[Trainman40083]

I've heard loads of conflicting information as to the expected entry into service date, some people have been saying November (this month) but EMR has been saying December.
Does anyone know the actual plans?

There was a suggestion of one set on 25th November. Low key I imagine, unless it doesn't happen

 

[DaveyJones]

There was a suggestion of one set on 25th November. Low key I imagine, unless it doesn't happen

The Press/Industry Launch appears to have been today from various articles/posts.

 

[fgwrich]

The Press/Industry Launch appears to have been today from various articles/posts.

Some interior images from Today’s Railways Twitter page who attended the press launch today showing the FC, Standard Class, Cab and exterior of the 810 in Etches Park.

https://x.com/todaysrailways/status/1991532419049275889?s=46

 

[Killingworth]

The Press/Industry Launch appears to have been today from various articles/posts.

Yes, see Derby Telegraph; https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-news/gallery/new-era-train-travel-east-10657751

New era for train travel as East Midlands Railway bi-mode Aurora train unveiled

The upgraded train will swap from diesel to electric south of Leicester​

By Zena HawleyAgenda editor

• 16:37, 20 NOV 2025
• Updated17:06, 20 NOV 2025

This will soon be a common sight at Derby rail station (Image: EMR)
This time next year, a new era will be in full motion as East Midlands Railway's (EMR) fleet of 33 Class 810 Aurora trains - replacements for the existing Class 222 Meridian fleet - will be serving the region on the Midlands Main Line from Sheffield to London and stations in between, following a £400 million investment.
For now, the initial two trains - which are ready and waiting at Etches Park - will officially hit the tracks next month in December, bringing with them the first bi-mode trains on the line, with the ability to swap from diesel to electric power at the touch of a button.
Thanks to £1.5 billion modifications on the Midland Main Line, the trains can currently use electric power all the way from St Pancras International up to South Wigston in Leicestershire and vice versa. The rest of the journey will be by diesel through to South Yorkshire.
Two excited former train drivers and now driver trainers told Derbyshire Live that the power alternatives will make a big difference.
James Harvey, who has worked on the railway for 46 years - most as a driver - has seen many changes. He said: "The change from diesel to electric at South Wigston will be a manual process for the driver and it is unlikely that passengers will notice. But electric is more efficient and allows the higher speeds to be reached more quickly.
"St Pancras station will also start to be a bit quieter as more electric trains arrive, considerably cutting down noise and pollution."
There will be a reduction in carbon emissions of 66% on journeys between Sheffield and London in the future.
Fellow driver trainer Paul Williams added: "Altogether, the operating panel for drivers is much more efficient and clearer. Even the driver's seat is more central, improving vision of the track, and it is adjustable to suit the individual, which when you are seated for two hours at a time is very important."
As well as a greener and more efficient journey, passengers can also look forward to a better environment and catering experience, according to EMR operations training manager Ross Sexton.
He said: "This is truly a once-in-a-generation event, launching new trains. It is going to be a real step up for customers in terms of comfort and service. Our staff are really excited about working on the trains.
"The fleet includes a new Wi-Fi system that uses multiple SIM cards to select the best possible signal, and thanks to specially designed glass, customers will enjoy stronger mobile reception."
Sitting down, the seats initially seem quite hard, but the moulded backs and additional leg room are really very comfortable. There are more seats in each standard class coach, but that is probably because there are fewer tables, although the pull-down back-of-chair shelves are much more substantial and appear bigger.
A less-rounded and squarer ceiling has given much more luggage space above the seats, with room for a suitcase, rather than just a briefcase or small rucksack as in the past.
Among those proudly unveiling the latest train to the press and VIP guests was Will Rogers, EMR managing director. He said: "The introduction of our first Aurora train this December marks the start of a new era for Intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.
“Our Auroras have been designed with our customers at their heart, with more seats, greater comfort, better connectivity and a smoother, quieter ride.
“We and our colleagues at Transport UK are delighted to be delivering a railway that our customers, communities and our employees can truly take pride in.”
Rachel Turner is someone else who has been waiting for the Aurora to start operating. She is EMR head of new trains and said: ”Having worked on this programme since 2019, I am really proud that my team and I have been resilient to the challenges we have faced and now get to experience the exciting part of seeing the first of the new Aurora fleet enter into passenger service.
“There’s still a lot to do to deliver the rest of the fleet into service and we will persevere to deliver the best fleet for EMR’s customers and our colleagues.”
Ashley Steven, on-train delivery service manager, said that EMR was trying very hard to give customers what they want. He said: "We have some customers on shorter journeys who only want a drink and a biscuit and there are those on longer journeys who want more of a meal experience.
"In first class, we are looking at plating up sandwiches, using locally sourced produce such as scones from Bakewell and also introducing more meet-and-greet services.
"Standard class will have a trolley service with a selection of hot, alcoholic and soft drinks, as well as sweet and savoury snacks."
For some time next year, the new trains and the older trains will continue to operate side by side while the gradual transformation takes place.
The trains have been built in northern England in Newton Aycliffe by Hitachi and brought to Etches Park, which has been given a £35 million improvement and facelift scheme. Hitachi will maintain the trains.
Jim Brewin, chief director of the UK and Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “Since we were awarded the Aurora Contract, we’ve invested over £340 million in the region, ensuring that every success for Hitachi is a success for the Midlands supply chain.
“Our commitment to the region continues to grow as we upskill 130 colleagues and make Etches Park the home of the Aurora fleet.
“The hard work doesn’t stop here. Hitachi Rail is focused on delivering the remaining fleet and supporting EMR’s step-change in passenger experience."
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy added: "The arrival of EMR’s new Aurora trains marks a significant milestone, enabling bi-mode electric trains to run the length of the Midland Main Line, transforming rail travel and supporting economic growth, jobs and homes in the region."

1. 
   
2. 
   
   Ross Sexton, EMR operations training manager, left, and Ashley Stevens, on-train delivery service manager, say everyone is looking forward to the new trains coming into operation
   (Image: Derby Telegraph)1 of 11
   
   
   
3. 
   
   The stream-lined engine can reach speeds up to 125mph
   (Image: Derby Telegraph)2 of 11
   
   
4. 
   
   Inside a first class coach
   (Image: Derby Telegraph)3 of 11
   
   
5. 
   
   EMR managing director Will Rogers with the Aurora
   (Image: Derby Telegraph)4 of 11
   
   
   
6. 
   
   The driver's cab in the Aurora

 

[duffield]

Having blinds rather than curtains in 1st may look smarter but it's a functional downgrade in terms of conflict avoidance!

 

[fgwrich]

Having blinds rather than curtains in 1st may look smarter but it's a functional downgrade in terms of conflict avoidance!

Seems to be a standard Hitachi design feature that.