RAIL passengers have received a glimpse of a North-East trainbuilder’s new Scottish rolling stock.

A model showcasing the interior of a Hitachi Rail Europe carriage is on display in Edinburgh.

Hitachi is making 70 engines and 234 carriages for operator Abellio at its £82m factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The 100mph commuter trains will be made up of 46 three-car and 24 four-car trains, known as Class 385s, and are expected to run from late 2017 on electrified lines between Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as routes covering Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane.

The Edinburgh model shows how standard and first-class areas will look.

Karen Boswell, Hitachi Rail Europe managing director, said: “It is fantastic customers are able to experience the improvements our trains for Scotland will deliver.

“We are proud to have such an important role in a long-term partnership with ScotRail and Transport Scotland in boosting rail services, and are equally delighted the Class 385s will be made in Newton Aycliffe.”

Derek Mackay, Transport Minister, added: “These trains are custom-made for Scotland’s railways; they will be larger, faster and greener, and will allow passengers to travel in greater comfort than ever before.”

In December, The Northern Echo revealed Hitachi’s Aycliffe production line had officially started work on carriages.

As well as its Scotland deal, the Japanese company will produce rolling stock for the Great Western and East Coast lines.