The introduction of brand new trains into service is always a significant event for the railway, usually accompanied by a bit of razzmatazz.
The new Class 700 electric multiple units (EMUs) built by Siemens for the train operating company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) have been under test for a few months now from the new depot at Three Bridges. Photos from some of the early test runs are available in this gallery;
http://www.russellwykes-photography.com/p433250822#h6f3e9189
The new trains are but one element of the £6.5bn government-sponsored Thameslink Programme, the purpose of which is to transform north-south travel through London. Further details are available on the Thameslink Programme website;
http://www.thameslinkprogramme.co.uk
With the introduction of the new EMUs into passenger service on the Thameslink routes expected within the new few weeks, GTR arranged a press event at London Blackfriars on 24th May 2016. The event was well attended with representatives from GTR, Siemens, Network Rail, the Department for Transport, rail user groups and assorted media present. Many thanks for the invitation to attend.
One of the new trains was available for close examination and a subsequent short ride through the South London suburbs to East Croydon.
The new trains are intended to be high volume ‘people movers’ – designed to convey large numbers at peak periods from A to B as efficiently as possible – to that end the train builder has certainly met the design brief.
Photos of the new Class 700 at the launch event are available in this gallery;
http://www.russellwykes-photography.com/p661208041#h7a179368