Revealed: New walkthrough Thameslink trains that will replace existing 1980s stock from next year

Rail bosses have unveiled the new train design that will replace the crumbling stock on Thameslink lines from next spring.

The energy efficient 12-carriage trains are one-and-a-half times the length of the ones that currently ferry commuters into the capital from Bedford and Brighton.

Now Govia Thameslink Railway has given a sneak preview of the 240m trains by running them between two stations in Sussex.

Much of the current stock was built in 1988 and lacks air conditioning.

By contrast, the new Siemens-built trains will involve smart climate adjustments that take into account how full the carriages are, as well as featuring real-time departure boards for people making connections.

Like the new Circle line trains and Crossrail, the connections between carriages will be fully open, meaning it will be possible to walk the entire length of the train in one go.

Govia Thameslink Railway’s programme director Keith Wallace said: “This test run is a real milestone in the government-sponsored Thameslink Programme which, from spring next year, will steadily give passengers these new, modern and spacious trains on the Thameslink route.”