Class 800 (IET) spotting guide
The Class 800 is the modern face of Britain's inter-city railway. A bi-mode train, it runs on electric power under the wires and switches seamlessly to diesel where there are none — the fleet that took over from the much-loved HST on two of Britain's great main lines.
Photo: Phil Wakely · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
The Class 800 is a bi-mode Intercity Express Train built by Hitachi Rail from 2014, able to run on 25 kV AC electric power under the wires and switch to on-board diesel engines on non-electrified sections.
About the Class 800 (IET)
The Class 800 is a bi-mode Intercity Express Train built by Hitachi Rail from 2014, able to run on 25 kV AC electric power under the wires and switch to on-board diesel engines on non-electrified sections. It works as Great Western Railway's IET and LNER's Azuma.
History
Introduced from 2017 under the Intercity Express Programme, the Class 800 replaced the HST on the Great Western Main Line and joined LNER on the East Coast Main Line as the 'Azuma'. Its bi-mode design allows through services onto non-electrified routes without a change of train.
How to identify it
Look for a long, modern five- or nine-carriage unit with a smoothly curved cab and a yellow front. Running numbers are in the 800xxx series; Great Western sets wear dark green, while LNER sets are red and white and branded 'Azuma'.
Fleet numbers
Numbered in the 800xxx series, operated by Great Western Railway (green) and LNER (Azuma red and white).
Operators
Typical workings
- Great Western Main Line: London Paddington to the West of England and Wales
- East Coast Main Line: London King's Cross to Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland
Where to see the Class 800 (IET)
London King's Cross ★★★★★
The grand southern terminus of the East Coast Main Line — iconic architecture and a fine variety of high-speed expresses.
Doncaster ★★★★★
A premier East Coast Main Line junction with fast expresses and heavy freight — long a favourite of British enthusiasts.
York ★★★★★
One of Britain's grandest stations and a superb East Coast Main Line spot — with the National Railway Museum right next door.
Reading ★★★★★
A large, busy junction on the Great Western Main Line with fast expresses, commuter services and freight — one of the best spots in the south.
Collect the Class 800 (IET) fleet
Turn everyday sightings into a collecting challenge — track the running numbers you've caught.