Hitachi pushes on with ‘810’ assembly and testing

ASSEMBLY of the 33 five-car bi-mode units for East Midlands Railways continues, with units up to 810025 already in the workshops at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe site. Currently, bodyshells for units 810024/025 are on the weld line. This facility, established with support from Hitachi Italy, is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity. In the paint shop are bodyshells for 810022/023, which are undergoing a meticulous process to ensure a high-quality finish. The steps include cleaning via shot blasting, primer application, putty application, additional primer, top coat, and finally the finish and polish procedure. Once painted, the units move to the Assembly Hall. Here, cars enter the pre-line and progress through various assembly stations where insulation, flooring, doors, toilets, and catering facilities are installed. The mega rack, which includes wiring and pneumatic…