British passenger train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) has closed an agreement with CAF for the supply of thirteen sets of five-car locomotive-hauled coaches. The coaches will be financed by Beacon Rail Leasing and powered by Class 68 diesel locomotives which will be hired by TPE from Direct Rail Services (and which are also owned by Beacon Rail Leasing). Most of the locomotives that will be used are already built.

Delivery of the coaches will commence in 2018. Subsequently the loco-hauled sets will enter service on the route connecting Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, where they will replaced Class 185 DMUs. The order is part of a larger order for new passenger trains. Additionally, CAF will supply twelve five-car Civity UK InterCity EMUs, financed by Eversholt Rail Group.

(Image: Paul Hayes)