Chiltern Railways (which operates services out of London Marylebone) has recently announced they are to update its rolling stock, with the introduction of Mark 5A rolling stock on its services.
Coming to London and the West Midlands soon – Mark 5A coaches.
The trains will be used on the Chiltern Main Line, operating to destinations between London and the West Midlands. They are planned for introduction in Spring 2026.
A Mark 5a coach rake – Image, Chiltern Railway
Chiltern Railways will deploy a fleet of 13 Mark 5A trainsets. They will feature plug sockets and USB ports at every seat, enhanced Wi-Fi and digital customer information screens. Customers will also benefit from onboard air conditioning, improved luggage and bike storage, and dedicated accessible areas, including fully accessible toilets.
Mark 5a – Stanard Class
First Class carriages will also be introduced on the route in 2026, offering more spacious seats and improved connectivity for business and leisure travellers.
Mark 5a – First Class seat & table
Mark 5a – Accessible area within First Class
The Mark 5a coaches will replace the existing Mark 3 coaches, which are currently used on services between London, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.
With the trainsets being all taken, it is assumed they will operate in a five-carriage formation, with one first class, three standard class and one standard class with driving controls. Chiltern have a handy little guide to their new trains here.
In Quotes
Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways, said:
“We are thrilled for our customers that we will be able to replace our oldest trains, which are nearly 50 years old, and replace them with their modern equivalent that are just six years old and provide significant improvement to their on-board experience.
“Chiltern will be renting more trains than it has today which means we can operate additional services from the end of 2026 to help meet rising demand. The trains will be formed of modern carriages hauled by locomotives fuelled by recycled vegetable oil and fitted with the latest stop-start engine technology.
“Our 2030 vision includes a three-phase plan to modernise and decarbonise our trains. Phase one is underway with interior improvements to our existing diesel trains; phase two is to replace our oldest trains – today’s announcement; we remain ambitious and determined to achieve phase three of our vision, which is to replace our 35-year-old diesel trains with battery-electric trains.”
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:
“This government is putting passengers back at the heart of the 21st century railway by investing to make journeys easier, greener, and more comfortable.
“We are continuing to support Chiltern as they develop a plan to introduce additional services into their timetable, giving people more opportunities to work, live, and socialise.
“Great British Railways will unite our railway with one mission – delivering excellent services for passengers wherever they travel, and improving connectivity, driving growth, jobs, and homes as part of the government’s plan for change.”
Adam Cunliffe, CEO of Beacon Rail, said:
“Beacon is delighted to support Chiltern with the lease of the Mark 5A fleet, providing additional capacity with new trains that will enhance the passenger experience. Working closely with the Department for Transport and Chiltern, the introduction of the Mark 5As reflects the strong collaboration that Beacon provides to its customers. Beacon is engaging with Chiltern to commence services by spring 2026.”
Following a positive decision from the Department for Transport, these newer trains will enter service on a phased basis from early next year as a crucial step in delivering Chiltern’s 2030 Vision of easier, greener, and better journeys. The operator is also working with partners to confirm details of additional timetabled services which would start in December 2026.
What nice little Nova…
The Mark 5A Rolling Stock was originally introduced by Transpennie Express as part of their Nova fleet upgrade, originally introduced to the British Railway network in November 2019. They are typically a fixed set of coaches with a driving trailer vehicle, and either propelled/dragged by a Class 68 locomotive (the coaches themselves having no motive power), formed into five-car sets.
However, utilisation was extremely low with the type, with the coaching stock returned to the lessor – Beacon Rail.
It seems that with the pressing need to replace the Mark 3 coaches, the Mark 5a were sitting there, ready to be used.
When introduced, Chiltern Railways will fuel these newer trains with recycled vegetable oil (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), a renewable fuel that reduces carbon emissions and cuts pollutants such as nitrous oxide compared to conventional diesel. Chiltern has also contracted the owner of the trains to fit the latest stop-start engine technology software, helping to further reduce emissions for lineside neighbours.
Hopefully, the trainsets will be a little quieter… as you can hear a class 68 locomotive a mile away…
All Images, Chiltern Railways.
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