The first Class 387/2 electric multiple unit carriage is undergoing testing at Bombardier’s Derby Litchurch Lane facility.

Built by Bombardier, the ‘387/2s’ are destined for Gatwick Express trains.

They have been designed specifically for the Gatwick Express route, although they will also serve Brighton. They will feature increased luggage space, 2+2 seating, power sockets, air-conditioning, WiFi, Passenger Information Systems (PIS) and improved disabled access.

Govia Thameslink Railway owns the GatEx operations. In November it signed a £145.2 million order for 108 Class 387/2 Electrostar vehicles, forming 27 four-car trains.

The ‘387/2’ fleet is due to enter traffic next year, replacing the Class 442s that entered traffic with GatEx in 2008, having been cascaded from South West Trains. The ‘442s’ date from 1987.

  • For more on this news story, see RAIL 780 published on August 5 2015