The Class 800 first entered service as the successor to the diesel high speed train “HST”, and now runs on the GWR (Great Western Railway) and LNER (London North Eastern Railway) main lines in the UK. The Class 800 is characterized by its body being "tucked in" near the bottom to match the UK railways clearance limit, and the yellow pattern on the front car, which enhances visibility. It is a bi-mode electro-diesel vehicle introduced as part of the “Intercity Express Program” (IEP) and installed with state-of-the-art equipment. As a major feature, the train collects power through the pantographs in electrified areas and uses diesel engines or power supplied from its generators in none-electrified areas, making it possible for it to run in both.

The Class 800 is also well known as a rare case of a Japanese train being selected to run on UK main lines. Hitachi Rail had to apply sophisticated railway technology to meet the high conditions out forth by the UK transportation ministry such as high fuel efficiency, a weight limit, operations at the maximum speed of 200 km/h, and switching the power supply source during operations.

● GWR Class800/0 "Paddington Bear"

The "Paddington Bear" Class 800 is here in N gauge!

The Class 800 010 belonging to the Great Western Railway (GWR) bore the name of "A Bear Called Paddington" author Michael Bond, as well as the character "Paddington Bear" himself on both sides of the front car. The doors were also decorated with illustrations of the character.

Illustrations of the famous character "Paddington Bear" from the universally loved childrens' book series starting with "A Bear Called Paddington" on the outside of the train cars are beautifully recreated. We also recommend this item in 5+5 formation with the regular Class 800, as the prototype could be seen in real life.

 

Composition of Trains