First Group and rolling stock leasing company Angel Trains awarded Hitachi Rail Europe a £60m contract in November 2016 to supply five bi-mode (diesel and electric) AT300 trains.

Hull Trains says the trains’ maximum speed of 225 km/h will contribute to reduced journey times, while passengers will also benefit from 20% more seating capacity compared to current services, as well as new interiors for greater comfort.

The body shells are being produced at Hitachi Rail’s manufacturing plant in Kasado, Japan. While final assembly was initially due to be carried out at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe plant in northeast England, this work will now be completed at the Hitachi Italy facility in Pistoia, Italy, before being tested and shipped to Britain.

Hull Trains bullet train inspired fleet 2 LARGE