The first test train is now in London and will begin night testing in east London before entering passenger service in May.
Bombardier is building the new trains at its Derby plant and delivered a driving car to Rail Tec Arsenal for three weeks of testing in extreme weather conditions and temperatures ranging from -25˚C to +40˚C.
The heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system, windscreen wipers and demister, train horns and the traction motors went through simulations of hot, cold, windy and foggy weather in order to test their functionality in all weather conditions.
“Subjecting the new trains to a range of climatic conditions, including thick snow and ice, is another crucial step towards making sure that the trains perform as intended whatever the weather,” says Mr Dean Taplin, senior vehicle engineer at Bombardier. “With these new trains entering passenger service from next year, it’s key that all elements of the train are fully tested so that passengers have a comfortable experience.”
Bombardier continues to build the first trains, which will be tested in Derby, before delivery to London.
