ScotRail Class 385 AT200 Fleet
UK (Central Belt, Scotland; Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Alloa, Dunblane) · 2015–2019 (built), 2018 (first service) · £475 million (2015 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project highlighted the importance of thorough testing and addressing human factors (e.g., driver visibility) early in the design and commissioning phases to prevent service delays. - The use of a leasing arrangement with Caledonian Rail Leasing demonstrated a common financing model for rolling stock procurement in the UK. - The introduction of the Class 385 facilitated the cascade of older diesel multiple units, contributing to network modernization and decarbonization efforts. - Hitachi's Fleet Monitoring Tool and a balanced examination system were implemented for maintenance, emphasizing data-driven approaches to fleet management and reliability.
Key engineering challenges
Adapting the global AT200 platform to specific UK and Scottish operational requirements, including crashworthiness and driver ergonomics for a front-end corridor connection. - Overcoming initial delays due to infrastructure works and minor technical issues, including driver visibility concerns with window curvature. - Integrating the fleet into newly electrified lines and ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. - Managing manufacturing across international sites (Japan for bodyshells, UK for assembly) while maintaining quality and local content requirements.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Abellio ScotRail; Caledonian Rail Leasing (Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation subsidiary)
- Lead contractor
- Hitachi Rail
- Lead designers
- Hitachi Rail
- Project type
- vehicle/fleet programme
- Scale
- 70 units (46 x 3-car, 24 x 4-car); Max speed: 100 mph (160 km/h); 3-car unit capacity: 206 seats; 4-car unit capacity: 273 seats; 8-coach train capacity: 546 passengers
- Disciplines
- Mechanical; Electrical; Systems; Software
- Standards & frameworks
- UK railway standards
Sources: British Rail Class 385 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_385) - Hitachi Rail: Class 385 (https://www.hitachirail.com/products-and-solutions/rolling-stock/commuter-trains/class-385/) - Rail Engineer: Maintaining the 385s (https://www.railengineer.co.uk/2020/04/03/maintaining-the-385s/)