Testing begins on first Class 707s for SWT

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TRAIN builder Siemens has begun testing the first Class 707 EMUs at the test track in Wildenrath, Germany.

Thirty five-car sets are being built for use by South West Trains on the route from Waterloo to Windsor, allowing Class 458/5s to concentrate on the Reading line and thus freeing up Class 450s to strengthen services elsewhere on the network.

Set No. 707002 on the 6km test track at Wildenrath, Germany, on July 15. The line in front of the unit connects the test centre to the Deutsche Bahn network. Both pictures: Chris Milner
Set No. 707002 on the 6km test track at Wildenrath, Germany, on July 15. The line in front of the unit connects the test centre to the Deutsche Bahn network. Chris Milner

The £210 million order was placed in September 2014, with deliveries to SWT’s Wimbledon depot scheduled to begin later this autumn with a target date of next spring for entry into service.

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The trains feature open gangways with more space for standing. They will also have free wi-fi and real-time London Underground service updates.


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