‘Azuma’ makes Scottish debut as LNER ponders extra trains

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By Ben Jones

LNER introduced its first Anglo-Scottish ‘Azuma’ diagram on August 1, with more services expected to move over to the new trains in mid-September. 

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LNER’s daily 06.48 service from Glasgow Central-King’s Cross and 15.30 return will also switch to the new trains from September 23. 

Class 800 IETs are currently restricted to one Edinburgh diagram, but they will begin to replace InterCity 125s on the Aberdeen route in October. 

The King’s Cross to Inverness ‘Highland Chieftain’ is expected to go over to IET operation in December. 

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‘Azuma’ set No. 800104 with the special Scottish branding applied to vehicle No. 819104 after its arrival at London King’s Cross on August 1. PAUL E GASH

Nine-car bi-mode set No. 800104 was the set chosen for the high-profile launch of Scottish ‘Azuma’ services at Edinburgh Waverley on July 31.

One end of the set has been decorated with special LNER tartan vinyls, designed to reflect the operator’s strong links to Scotland, Yorkshire and the north-east of England. 

Read more in the September 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

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