In 2007, the Intercity Express Programme announced plans to build a new fleet of sleek, stylish, high-speed trains to replace the Intercity 125 and 225 units on the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line. Designed and built by Hitachi of Japan, the Class 800s are assembled in Newton Aycliffe near Darlington to provide the UK with a modern, fast 21st Century fleet of express passenger trains.
Running trails began in 2014, and the first batch of machines entered service on the GWML in 2017. A separate order, christened 'Azuma' units, began tests along the ECML, where they formally entered service on 15 May 2019, running between London King's Cross and Leeds. But now, it's time to take 'Azuma' to Scotland.
The official media launch of 'Azuma' stock running north of York was set for 30 July. This was to have occurred at the end of 2018, but due to issues with the infrastructure this was pushed back to the summer. Whilst mostly kept under wraps, it was announced only days prior that world-famous LNER Gresley A4 4468 'Mallard' would make an extremely-rare appearance outside the National Railway Museum in York Station, to greet the new 'Azuma' unit upon arrival. Following this, the VIP train would travel to Darlington, where it would meet equally-famous LNER Gresley A3 60103 'Flying Scotsman' before returning to York. The 'Azuma'-hauled charted was strictly for invited guests and members of the press only, but there was no way I was passing on the chance to see 4468 back where she belongs!
Jumping on the train to York, I knew security would be tight and sure enough, barriers were in place all over the station, with Platforms 7, 8 and 9 being totally cordoned off. Thankfully, there were still some opportunities for the public to see 'Mallard' basking in the sun next to her modern-day counterpart. Members of the media, including ITV Tyne Tees and BBC Look North News, swarmed to get photos, and soon 800113 was ready to depart with its load of VIP guests for Darlington.
Racing up to Darlington, we see 'Flying Scotsman' already waiting for the unit to arrive. Crowd control was even stricter than that at York and the layout for the event didn't exactly improve eyelines. Amazingly, and seemingly at random, Robin Gisby (Chairman Of LNER) invited me and a couple of friends into the VIP area to grab some better photos. Stunned by his generosity, I was able to get some fantastic shots of 800113 and 60103 side by side, as well as mingle with several guests. After around half-an-hour, 'Flying Scotsman' whistled her farewell as 'Azuma' made its way back to York.
Overall, the day was an excellent experience. Seeing 'Mallard' back in York station for the first time in over 30 years, seeing a new age of railways arrive at the place of their birth AND slipping in to a platform full of railway bigwigs created a day like no other. Special thanks to the NRM, LNER and Robin Gisby for making it all possible.
I hope you all enjoy the video. Apologies for any shaky shots - I was filming by hand due to the huge crowds. Be sure to let me know your thoughts on the 'Azuma' units down below. Feel free to comment and subscribe!
