London North Eastern Railway (LNER) launched their new Azuma train service in York today (Tuesday)
The state-of-the-art fleet, which is part of a £5.7 billion upgrade to the network, will run via York through Edinburgh to Inverness, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
They are replacing the Inter City 225 trains launched by British Rail 30 years ago this year.
The new trains have 100 additional seats and the fleet will grow from 45 to 65 trains, delivering more frequent trains and a much greater capacity.
YorkMix joined LNER for the offical launch in York, along with two East Coast Main Line icons – the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman.
World speed records
The new trains were introduced by David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, and Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum (NRM).
The NRM own both the Mallard and Flying Scotsman. The latter is in running condition following a £4.2 million refurbishment which was completed in 2016.
Both engines have set World records on the East Coast Main Line.
The Flying Scotsman was the first steam locomotive to officially exceed 100 miles per hour – on 30 November 1934.
The Mallard set, and still holds, the World speed record for a steam locomotive – 126mph, set on 3 July 1938
This was the first time the Mallard had been in York Station in 30 years.
The first full public service of the Azuma through York will be the 0540 Edinburgh-King’s Cross “Flying Scotsman” on Friday 2 August.
Gallery
