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West Midlands Class 196 DMU construction underway

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CONSTRUCTION of the first of a fleet of 26 new diesel multiple units for West Midlands Trains (WMT) has begun at Beasain, Spain.

They are being built by CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles).

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The units are from the ‘Civity’ family and comprise 80 vehicles.

An interior view showing the accessible area. 

They are part of a £1billion investment promised by the consortium of Abellio, Mitsui and JR East for its West Midlands franchise, with these units replacing Class 170 DMUs, which will be returned to the leasing company.

It is understood some initial units will be fully built in Spain ahead of compatability and certification tests, which will take place in the UK.

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