THE first of a new generation of trains was making its debut journey on the East Coast Main Line today (THURSDAY) for final testing before entering service. The gleaming Class 185 three-car diesel made two problem-free return trips between York and Darlington, reaching speeds of 100mph. Technicians and driver managers tested the on-board systems - including GPS to keep passengers up-to-date with progress - and pronounced themselves fully satisfied. Now the train will go into service for First TransPennine in the spring, probably on the Hull-Manchester line, before being introduce on York, Darlington, Newcastle and Middlesbrough services in the autumn. A total of 51 Class 185s are being built for First by Germany's Siemens Transportations Systems in a £250m investment in rail travel in the north. And following the success of the trials the full fleet should be in operation by January of next year. The Class 185s are be the fourth new train fleet introduced by First Group to the UK network since rail privatisation and have been designed specifically for the routes on which they will be used. They are the first diesel version of the proven Siemens Desiro electric train design and each has air conditioning, intercity train quality seating, including a first class section, on-board security cameras and easier access for disabled people. Equipped with three Cummins diesel engines, the trains are said to have excellent hill-climbing abilities and much improved reliability. They will run in three and six-car formations. Work is currently underway on a £10m maintenance centre for the trains at York - and another at Ardwick near Manchester. Due to open in the spring, it will employ 40 people and will be capable of cleaning, refuelling and servicing up to nine three-car trains a day. Rolling stock leasing company HSBC Rail will own and lease the trains to First TransPennine Express for the duration of its franchise which runs to February 2012 or until 2017 if the term is extended. First Group's chief executive Moir Lockhead said: "This major investment underlines First's commitment to transforming travel across the UK." Siemens Transportation board member Joern Sens (BOTH CORRECT) added: "The project team adopted a quite pragmatic approach. "Issues like the specific requirement for driver training, improvements regarding the design resulting from the various tests were all incorporated into the train development in a spirit of common understanding and co-operation."