TONY MILES REPORTS FROM THE INAUGURAL RUN OF SCOTRAIL’S SHORTENED INTER-CITY SETS
ScotRail introduced its first shortened HST into passenger service on 15 October, initially operating between Aberdeen and Edinburgh. In total the operator is leasing 121 Mk 3 vehicles and 54 power cars from Angel Trains, these having been displaced from Great Western Railway by the introduction of Class 800/802 Intercity Express Trains. The ScotRail HSTs will be formed into nine 2+4 and 17 2+5 sets.
The first refurbished HST was presented by ScotRail five days earlier, with the 2+4 set carrying guests on an inaugural trip between Aberdeen and Edinburgh. While the quality of the refurbishment was well-received, the run was slightly marred by technical problems with the leading power car, No 43183, which saw the train halted for over 40 minutes south of Leuchars whilst the faults were rectified.
SEVEN CITIES BRANDING