PASSENGERS were given a sneak preview of things to come when a new train was unveiled at the York RailFest celebrations.

TransPennine Express, run by FirstGroup and Keolis SA, gave visitors to the National Railway Museum a look at its new Desiro train coach.

People were able to climb aboard the full-scale, fully-fitted and detailed 23-metre model of the coach, which is being built for use on the company's intercity TransPennine network.

The 100mph trains will have air conditioning, intercity train quality seating, on-board security cameras and information systems and will provide passengers with a more frequent service between major centres, shorter journey times, more seats and better punctuality.

TransPennine Express has ordered 51 of the Desiro diesel trains worth £250 million, from train manufacturer Siemens, to serve destinations across its network and will replace its entire fleet from 2006.

Updated: 10:05 Thursday, June 03, 2004