London North Eastern Railway has confirmed to The RM that its 10-car tri-mode units, for which a £437 million contract was confirmed with manufacturer CAF last year, will be given the Class 897 designation (pictured in an artist’s impression). The operator declined to offer any further information regarding progress of the order for 10 trains (capable of running on electric, battery or diesel power), but it is understood that CAF will construct the first two Class 897s in Spain, with work beginning on them next April, and the remainder being built at its Newport factory in South Wales. The sets are being financed by Porterbrook. It is reported that the first could be delivered as soon as autumn 2025, although, following testing and acceptance, 2027 is the expected target for entry into service.