Avanti West Coast names a Pendolino Railway 200 to as part of its plans to mark 200 years of Britain's modern railway.
• Pendolino train named ‘Railway 200’ at The Greatest Gathering
• Train renumbered as part of the year-long celebrations to mark birth of modern railway in 1825
• West Coast Main Line operator announces plans non-stop record run between London and Glasgow
Avanti West Coast has named one of its Pendolino trains at an event in Derby to mark celebrations marking 200 years of Britain’s modern railway.
The iconic tilting train has been named Railway 200, and was one of the showpiece attractions at the launch event for Alstom’s ‘The Greatest Gathering’. It will feature in the train operator’s plans to mark the year-long celebration.
Alstom’s Derby site will be home to the UK’s largest gathering of historic rolling stock in August 2025. With another Pendolino set to feature, the three-day festival aims to raise thousands for Railway 200 charities and the rail heritage sector.
The Pendolino train, which has been temporarily renumbered 390200, also sports the Railway 200 logo on its cab ends.
Avanti West Coast also announced plans to attempt a non-stop run between London and Glasgow later this year, aiming to beat the record of three hours, 52 minutes and 40 seconds set in 1984.
Managing Director of Avanti West Coast, Andy Mellors, said: “Railway 200 is a chance to celebrate the important role the UK rail industry has played in history over the last two centuries. It’s our chance to tell the story and inspire the railway workers of the future.
“We should be proud of the part we have played and look forward to its exciting future. Our newly named ‘Railway 200’ Pendolino will be seen the length and breadth of the West Coast Main Line, a route at the heart of the UK’s rail network, and just one of a number of events we have planned in the coming months.”