The first four car Class 350/2 Desiro train unit arrived in its new ‘home'; Siemens' Kings Heath Depot in Northampton, where the trains will be based and maintained, last week.
This is a major milestone in the London Midland story, and after final testing on the West Coast Mainline, the first train will be one of ten brand new four car trains to be introduced into passenger service for the introduction of the new rail timetable on 14 December.
The trains are capable of 100mph and carry passengers in air conditioned comfort. They are the very latest in the Siemens Desiro UK series, which celebrated its fifth birthday in service in the UK this year.
Steve Banaghan, Managing Director of London Midland, said: "The arrival of the first new train is a significant landmark for London Midland and our passengers.
"They will transform the experience of passengers on our longer distance routes and, combined with our new direct services between the London, Birmingham and the North West, will provide new opportunities to travel with London Midland."
London Midland will have taken delivery of a total of 37 new four car 350/2 Desiros by July next year, including the ten that will be in service this December. The deal for the 37 trains between London Midland, Siemens and train leasing company Porterbrook is worth approximately £190 million and includes maintenance of the fleet.
Overall, London Midland is investing nearly £250 million in new and refurbished trains over the next two years.
Steve Scrimshaw, Managing Director of Siemens Mobility UK Rolling Stock, said: "The West Coast Main line is a strategically important route and Siemens intends to build upon the proven reliability of its existing Desiro Class 350s with the introduction of this new fleet."
