The train will soon be back on the tracks. (s)

The train will soon be back on the tracks. (s)

AN OLD London Underground train recycled in Long Marston is ready to return to the rails.

Vivarail took the shell of the old tube train to create a new model which they say will be more economical and will make life more pleasant for passengers.

The company’s chief executive Adrian Shooter says it is the train he always dreamt of building and he hopes they will change the way railways work in the future.

The former tube train has now been taken for mainline testing – the final testing before it takes to the Coventry to Nuneaton line.

Mr Shooter said: “The team has worked tirelessly to prepare our prototype train. We have had a few setbacks along the way, unsurprising on a project of this scale, but it shows what can be achieved with determination, skill and pure hard work. Our team of engineers have pulled out all the stops to reach this milestone.

“In this short space of time we have built a brand new train and along the way we have developed new systems which I hope will become standard in the rail industry from now on.

“What we are providing is a brand new, state of the art train, made affordable by re-using the bodyshells, and able to be in service six months after order. It’s the train I dreamt of commissioning years ago.”

The three carriage train, known as the Class 230, has been designed with a ‘crowd-busting’ layout and different seating and door styles.

It will be leased to the West Midlands Combined Authority and operated by London Midland for an initial period of 12 months.