The first Siemens Class 700 train for Thameslink is set to enter service in February next year, as production is stepped up at Siemens' Krefeld plant in the German Rhineland. The first example of the new fleet is due to arrive in August.

Tests have been underway for some time at the nearby Wildenrath test cente, where six 12-car sets have been delivered so far. More than 200 bodyshells have already been built, but Siemens said the pace of production will need to be increased to two vehicles a day if the production deadlines are to be met.

Govia Thameslink said work is also well under way at the major Class 700 depot at Three Bridges in Sussex.

The Class 700s are being built in fixed formations of eight and 12 cars, so no intermediate cabs are included in the sets.

It was also revealed at Krefeld that some First Class areas on the new trains will be declassified from time to time, particularly in the ends facing away from London, 'according to market demand'.

The full fleet of 115 trains is due to be in service by the end of 2018.

Source: RailNews