GWR has doubled the number of diagrams for the Hitachi Class 800 IET (Intercity Express Trains) following problems during the introductory week.
Each train initially ran two diagrams, using a pair of Class 800 units, but the four sets accepted for service (Nos. 800005/6/8/9) were supplemented from November 13 when sets 800010-013 began operations.
![](https://www.mortonsdirect.co.uk/railwaymagazine/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2017/12/RM-Dec-p99.jpg)
This has allowed GWR to change diagrams that begin with the 06.33 Bristol Temple Meads-London Paddington and the 06.45 from London Paddington-Swansea to switch to IET traction, running as 10-car sets.
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GWR has also taken the opportunity to extend the 17.30 ex-Paddington to Taunton and the 19.30 from Paddington to Weston-super-Mare.
Since October 16 the first four sets have travelled more than 30,000 miles and provided an additional 20,000 extra seats into London compared to the HSTs they replaced.
Read more in December’s issue of The RM – on sale now!