VISITORS to the Rail Live 2021 exhibition at Long Marston on June 16-17 were able to reach the site using a Vivarail hybrid-power D-Train, the first hybrid train for Transport for Wales (TfW).

The train is one of five ordered by TfW and is the first to carry passengers in Britain. Comprehensively rebuilt from former London Underground D-Stock, the TfW class 230s are fitted with two Ford Duratorq 3.2 litre engines capable of 150kW on each driving vehicle and 60 24V batteries.

Manufacturer Vivarail, Transport for Wales (which will use the trains), SLC Operations, Rail Operations Group and infrastructure manager Network Rail (NR) supported the shuttle service from Honeybourne to the exhibition site.

“With more focus on how the industry can decarbonise, we’re pleased to be supporting Rail Live and showcasing the future of emission-free trains,” says Mr Adrian Shooter, Vivarail CEO.

The trains will enter traffic later this year on the Wrexham - Bidston line.