First glimpse of what Derby-made HS2 trains could look like

HS2 Ltd has offered the first glimpse of what the inside of train carriages made at Alstom’s Derby factory for the high-speed line could look like.

It has lifted the lid on the test designs for its high-speed trains, including what it hopes will become the most comfortable seats on any UK rail service.

Standard class seats will have what the firm calls “market-leading” leg room of 87cm, according to full-size concepts at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site.

Recently, user groups have participated in testing as part of programme to design the high-speed trains, providing feedback on seating, boarding and layout of carriage interiors.

Once the train’s designs are finalised, full production will start around 2027.

Bodyshell welding and electrical installation will be led by Hitachi’s Durham plant before the interior fit out is completed by Alstom in Derby.

Niall Simmons, collaborative design manager for the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed (HAH-S) joint venture, said: “As we progress towards delivering the next generation of high-speed trains for HS2, the feedback from passengers has been invaluable.

“Their insights are helping us refine the design to ensure that our trains not only meet but exceed expectations for accessibility, comfort and convenience.

“Engaging with a diverse range of future passengers, including those who may not typically consider train travel, has been crucial in shaping the features that will make a real difference to their experience.”

HS2’s trains will offer direct services between London and the West Midlands plus services further north via the West Coast Main Line.

In the meantime, in what HS2 Ltd calls the most extensive project of its kind seen in the UK, the public has been put at the heart of refining designs for the interior of the 54 trains.

The process is being taken forward by West Coast Partnership Development (WCPD), HS2 Ltd and HAH-S.

Since the start of this year, a range of customer groups, including those with reduced mobility, cyclists and young families, have been invited to experience life-sized wooden mock-ups of the trains at the HAH-S facility at Litchurch Lane – helping engineers to understand the levels of ease, accessibility and comfort.

The process included reviewing different options around boarding and alighting from the train, the positioning of grab rails to aid mobility and support and testing the layout of toilets – particularly for wheelchair customers.

Life-sized mock-ups were also made of other sections of the train including, the café, and child buggy storage.

James Dawson, senior rolling stock engineer at HS2 Ltd, said: “We’re designing HS2 to provide a step-change in the passenger experience so that it’s accessible to everyone – and especially to people who don’t currently think train travel is for them or don’t consider in the first place.

“I’m confident that work with both WCPD and HAH-S, plus our innovative design refinement approach, will deliver a quality product that stands the test of time.”

Niall said: “HAH-S is committed to putting passengers at the heart of every decision.

“By working closely with the public, we are confident that we’re creating a fleet of trains that will set new standards for intercity travel in the UK.

“This collaborative approach ensures that when HS2 is operational, it will deliver a transformative and stress-free journey for a wide range of people.”