The first test train has left Japan bound for the UK. The five-car train, inspired by the famous Japanese bullet trains, is expected to reach Southampton port in June.
Three test trains will be used ahead of the Devon and Cornwall fleet, Class 802, entering passenger service in summer 2018.
A GWR spokesman said: ‘The first completed 802 has been completed in Kobe, Japan and shipped directly to the UK for testing.
‘The rest of the Class 802 fleet is currently being built in Pistoia, Italy, so that they will be ready to enter passenger service next summer.’
Class 802 is a fleet being specifically built for Devon and Cornwall.
Similar Class 800 trains, for the GWR network to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds, are currently being built in an Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The 800s are already being tested in the UK and the first sets will be introduced later this year. The empty train ‘shells’ are being shipped from Japan to the Hitachi factory.
The new trains have been inspired by the Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains.
A spokesman for Hitachi said: ‘Essentially we make all our trains using technology inspired and pioneered from our Japanese bullet trains.
‘This includes using aluminium to make the trains' bodyshells, making them lighter, meaning less damage caused to the tracks and wheels.
‘They’re also aerodynamically shaped, which helps them cut through the air and speed up faster.
‘And they have friction stir welding – a clunky phrase but really the key to why Hitachi trains have become world famous for their quality. It essentially means our trains are stronger because they don’t require gaps to be filled in with hot metal. Instead our trains are shaped metal. It is what we do on bullet trains and proven to work. So we're now doing it on our British trains too.’
Although they look similar to the Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains these new Hitachi manufactured Intercity Express Trains will have to abide by the UK rail network maximum speed of 125mph.
The GWR spokesman added: ‘Train maximum speed is not the only determinant of journey time.
‘These Intercity Express Trains can accelerate and slow more quickly, and also have improved on board technology - for example, automatic closing doors rather than present slam doors - meaning that we are able to reduce journey times to and from the South West.’