Class 800 Intercity Express Train – The New Era of UK Rail Travel #class800 #fyp #iet #azuma #train

The Class 800 Intercity Express Train (IET) is one of the most significant developments in British rail travel in recent decades — a bold attempt to modernise long-distance services and replace the ageing InterCity 125s that defined an era.

Built by Hitachi Rail and assembled at the company’s purpose-built facility in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, the Class 800 forms part of the UK government’s Intercity Express Programme (IEP). The trains were designed to bring higher reliability, improved efficiency, and lower emissions to Britain’s railways — all while offering passengers a smoother, faster, and more comfortable ride.

What makes the Class 800 unique is its bi-mode capability — meaning it can operate using electricity from overhead wires where available, or switch to diesel engines on unelectrified sections. This flexibility allows seamless travel across lines still awaiting full electrification, such as the Great Western Main Line and the East Coast Main Line.

Entering service in 2017, these trains have gradually replaced the legendary InterCity 125 High-Speed Trains (HSTs), which had been in operation since the 1970s. On the Great Western Railway network, they’re known simply as IETs, while on the East Coast Main Line under LNER, they carry the distinctive name “Azuma”, which means “East” in Japanese — a fitting tribute to Hitachi’s roots.

Each train boasts modern features such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning, LED lighting, real-time travel updates, and accessible toilets. Designed for both speed and sustainability, they can reach 125 mph (200 km/h) and meet strict environmental standards through reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions.

Yet, despite their innovations, the Class 800s haven’t been without controversy. Some passengers and rail enthusiasts have criticised the seats for being uncomfortable, while others lament the end of the HST era — trains known for their charm, power, and distinctive sound. Still, there’s no denying that the IETs mark a turning point in UK railway history — a symbol of progress, technology, and the ongoing evolution of British rail.

In this video, we’ll take you through the history, design, introduction, and impact of the Class 800s — exploring how they’ve transformed intercity travel, what makes them special, and why they continue to divide opinion among railfans and everyday travellers alike.

🎥 Watch until the end to see how the IET compares to its famous predecessor — and what the future might hold for Britain’s next generation of high-speed trains.

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#Class800 #IET #IntercityExpressTrain #Azuma #HitachiTrains #HitachiRail #BritishRail #ModernRailways