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 action unavailableThe 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/)