The first Class 93 tri-mode locomotive for Rail Operations Group (ROG) is almost complete at Stadler’s Valencia factory in Spain. ROG expects 93001 to arrive in the UK for testing and approval in April. Developed from the Class 88, this new design features an improved cab, more powerful diesel engine and battery pack for improved performance away from electrified lines. Revolution Models is already well advanced with design work on a ‘OO’ gauge Class 93.
RAIL OPERATIONS GROUP
The latest variant of Hitachi’s Class 80x bi-mode family made its first main line outing on February 10. After two months of testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation & Development Centre (RIDC) in Leicestershire, 805001 ran from Oxley Depot to Glasgow Central and return. Avanti West Coast has 13 Class 805s on order to replace its ex-Virgin Class 221 ‘Super Voyagers’, plus ten electric-only Class 807s to augment its Class 390 fleet. Hornby recently announced a ‘OO’ model of the five-car Class 805s in its 2023 range.
AVANTI WEST COAST