Hitachi Europe Ltd unveiled its new multi-million pound Class 395 train servicing facility at Ashford, Kent on 2 October. The single ended five track six car length building at the south of Ashford station adjacent to the Canterbury line.

The depot will be used to service and overhaul the 29 six-car Class 395 ‘bullet trains’ now under construction for domestic Southeastern services between Kent and London St Pancreas International using HIS.

At present the depot will be the home for the first delivered Class 395 No. 395001, which is currently undergoing main line testing using the DC power system. The sets first outing was overnight on 1-2 October when a successful 50mph trial was undertaken under a full engineering possession between Ashford and Headcorn, a 100mph test run was undertaken overnight on 2-3 October as far as Tonbridge.

The second of the Class 395s is now being transported by sea to the UK via Southampton and should arrive in early November. Sets 395003/004 are scheduled to arrive at Ashford depot in January/February. Squadron delivery of the remaining sets will take place in 2009.

The new depot was officially opened UK Secretary of State for Transport the Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, in the presence of His Excellency Mr Yoshiji Nogami, the Japanese Ambassador with a large gathering of guests from Hitachi, Southeastern Trains, HSBC Rail and the rail press.

In addition to the main shed, a number of stabling sidings are provided, plus a new bi-directional carriage washing plant, a wheel lathe and toilet emptying equipment.

The depot is equipped for 750V dc third rail operation but has a short 25kV ac overhead test track.

The new Ashford depot was built depco a consortium of HSBC Rail, Fitzpatrick, RPS Burks Green, Emcor, GrantRail, MACE and Norton Rose.