DCA designs interiors for InterCity 125 successor

The Super Express Trains by Hitachi Rail Europe will replace many of the InterCity 125 trains designed by Sir Kenneth Grange, first introduced in 1976 and considered by many to be a design classic.

Along the London to Cardiff and Swansea Great Western Main Line the Super Express Trains will replace the InterCity 125, and on the East Coast Main Line from London to Edinburgh the Super Express Trains will run alongside the InterCity 225.

A working prototype of the new Super Express Train is expected to be ready for testing in Spring 2015.

DCA is set to construct a full size mock-up of all the passenger interiors, which will be rolled out across nearly 600 carriages, as well a mock-up of the interior and exterior of the driver’s cab.

The carriage interiors feature extensive use of wood veneers on the end walls of the carriage and across tables.

First class will be distinguishable from standard class through its darker palette of materials.

The design of the driver cabins has been honed following consultation with different driver groups in a series of workshops to establish layout.

Hitachi’s new 125mph trains will have between five and nine carriages and operate in fully electric or bi-mode (incorporating diesel and electric traction options) enabling passengers to travel on electrified or non-electrified routes.