On Saturday 28 September, families and rail users are invited to Northam Traincare Depot in Southampton for a free open day.
The event will be hosted by Siemens Mobility in partnership with South Western Railway (SWR). It is the first time the depot has opened its doors to the public in seven years and since South Western Railway became the train operator.
Northam Traincare Facility is home to the Siemens Class 444 and 450 Desiro trains, operating on services to and from the south coast to London Waterloo. The event coincides with 16 years since the fleet of Class 444 and 450 trains were first introduced on the route.
Visitors to the depot will be able to learn more about the trains’ history as well as see them up close, sit in the drivers cab and take a walk underneath a train in the maintenance pit. They will also gain an insight into the technology involved in keeping the trains safe, reliable and comfortable for the travelling public, and learn about careers in the rail industry.
The event is free. To book your tickets visit www.siemens.co.uk/railopenday , and all funds raised from donations on the day will be put towards Teddy20, a local children’s charity chosen by employees based at the site.
William Wilson, CEO, Siemens Mobility Limited, said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the public into one of our train maintenance sites for the ninth year running.
“This year’s open day has a past, present and future theme, as we celebrate 16 years since our Class 444s and 450s were first introduced on routes into London Waterloo. It’s an opportunity to showcase the milestones these fleets have reached as well as tell visitors about our plans for investing in the trains to deliver further benefits to passengers.
“We hope families and children will come away knowing much more about the rail industry and feeling inspired by the career opportunities it can offer.”
Andy Mellors, Managing Director of South Western Railway said, “It’s great to be partnering with Siemens Mobility on this latest open day, which will provide a unique opportunity for those who use our services and the local community to get a real insight into the technology, innovation and expertise that’s involved in running the Class 444s and 450s, which together make up almost half of our entire fleet.
“With more than 200 million passenger journeys made each year on our network - including in to and out of London Waterloo, Britain’s busiest railway station – we’re really pleased we can open up Northam depot up for the public to see what goes on behind the scenes.”
