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British Rail Class 390

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British Rail Class 390
Pendolino
AnAvanti West CoastClass 390 arriving atLancaster
The refurbished standard-class interior of a Class 390 unit
In service23 July 2002 – present
Manufacturer
Built at
Family namePendolino
Replaced
Constructed
Refurbished2021–2024[4]
Number built
  • 57
  • (22 × 390/0,35 × 390/1)
Number in service56
Number scrapped1
Predecessor
Formation(See§ Consist)
Fleet numbers(See§ Fleet details)
Capacity
  • 390/0: 469 seats
  • (99 first-class, 370 standard)
  • 390/1 pre-refurb: 589 seats
  • (145 first-class, 444 standard)
  • 390/1 post-refurb: 607 seats
  • (99 first-class, 508 standard)
OwnersAngel Trains
Operators
Depots
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium(friction stir welded)
Train length
  • 390/0: 217.5 m (713 ft 7 in)
  • 390/1: 265.3 m (870 ft 5 in)
Car length
  • DM cars: 25.1 m (82 ft 4 in)
  • Others: 23.9 m (78 ft 5 in)
Width2.73 m (8 ft 11 in)[5]
Height3.56 m (11 ft 8 in)[5]
DoorsSingle-leaf sliding plug
WheelbaseBogies: 2.70 m (8 ft 10 in)[6]
Maximum speed125 mph (200 km/h)
Weight
  • 390/0: 466 tonnes (459 long tons; 514 short tons)
  • 390/1: 567 tonnes (558 long tons; 625 short tons)
Traction systemAlstom Onix 800IGBT[7]
Traction motors2 × Alstom 4 EJA 2852per motor car(425 kW (570 hp) each)[6]
Power output
  • 390/0: 5,100 kW (6,840 hp)
  • 390/1: 5,950 kW (7,980 hp)
Electric system(s)25 kV 50 Hz ACoverhead
Current collector(s)Pantograph
UIC classification(See§ Consist)
BogiesFiat-SIG[5]
Braking system(s)Electro-pneumatic(disc) andrheostatic/regenerative[3]
Safety system(s)
Coupling systemDellner12[3]
Multiple workingNot provided[5]
Track gauge1,435 mm(4 ft8+1⁄2in)standard gauge

TheBritish Rail Class 390Pendolinois a type of electric high-speed passenger train operated byAvanti West Coastin the United Kingdom, leased fromAngel Trains.[3]They areelectric multiple unitsusingFiat Ferroviaria'stilting trainPendolinotechnology and built byAlstom.

Fifty-three eight-car units were originally built between 2001 and 2005 for operation on theWest Coast Main Line(WCML). The trains of the original batch were the last to be assembled at Alstom'sWashwood Heathplant, before its closure in 2005. The trains were subsequently extended to nine-cars in the mid-2000s. Some trains were lengthened further to eleven-cars in the 2010s, being renumbered as the subclass 390/1. An additional batch of four 11-car trains were built in Italy.

The Class 390Pendolinohas a design speed of 140 mph (225 km/h); however, limitations to track signalling systems restrict the trains to a maximum speed of 125 mph (200 km/h) in service. The fleet is maintained atLongsight TMDnearManchester Piccadillystation.

In 2021, a £117million refurbishment programme to upgrade the fleet toas newcondition began; this has included conversion of one first-class carriage to standard class to increase capacity, adding power plugs and new customer information screens.[10]

Background

[edit]
TheVirgin TrainsFirst Class interior in 2015

During 1997, private operatorVirgin Rail Groupstarted operating theInterCity West Coastfranchise, taking over from state-owned operatorBritish Rail.Virgin had been awarded the franchise having made a commitment to replace the locomotives and rolling stock in use on the route, namely theBritish Rail Class 86,87and90electric locomotivesandMark 2andMark 3coaching stock, with brand newtilting trains.Following negotiations with several manufacturers, Virgin placed an order withAlstom/Fiat Ferroviariato produce the envisionedtilting train,which was known by the namePendolinoand was later designated underTOPSas theClass 390.[11]

The purpose of tilt on the Pendolino was to maintain passenger comfort levels when traversing curves at high speed by reducing the sideways forces on the train's occupants, minimising their tendency to slide across the carriage.[11]The train was designed to be visually impressive: the concept design for the Pendolino was originally produced by industrial design firm Priestman Goode in cooperation with JHL and Start Design and many aspects of the finished product, such as the shaping of its aerodynamic nose and much of the train's interior areas, can be attributed to them.[11]

The concept of deploying tilting trains on theWest Coast Main Linewas not an original one. During the 1980s and 1990s, British Rail had developed several plans to introduce new trains and pursued the development of the revolutionary, but ultimately unsuccessful,Class 370Advanced Passenger Train(APT) for a protracted period.[11]Some years after the cancellation of the APT, British Rail had intended to replace the existing fleet of trains on the West Coast Main Line (in conjunction with a planned route modernisation) as part of theInterCity 250project, but this was cancelled by the government shortly before theprivatisation of British Railduring the late 1990s.

The original Pendolino order was for 54 nine-car units, costing £500million.[12]As originally planned, a pre-series test train was scheduled to be completed and to be in active testing by July 2000, while the first Pendolino was to enter revenue service during March 2001. It was expected that the whole fleet would be delivered by May 2002.[12]

The Pendolinos were intended to run at service speeds of up to 140 mph (225 km/h). Railtrack, therefore, embarked on a modernisation of the West Coast Main Line to allow for the faster line speeds.[12]However, the programme ran into serious difficulties. By its end, it was almost four times over-budget, had been delayed by a number of years, and had not improved the infrastructure as much as had been planned. Consequently, and in a manner reminiscent of the introduction of theInterCity 225,the lack of signalling upgrades resulted in the maximum line speed being set at 125 mph (200 km/h). Although the Pendolino's in-service top speed is well below British Rail's hopes for the APT, which was to reach up to 155 mph (250 km/h), it does match the maximum speed of 125mph for the APT in passenger service.

Fiat Ferroviaria introduced its first tilting trains during the 1970s. They were first operated on the Italian railways in 1976.[11]Fiat Ferroviaria supplied much of the content of the Class 390, including the unit's bodyshell and the bogies, while final assembly was carried out at Washwood Heath. The tilting technology was developed bySIGSwitzerland (later Fiat-SIG, today Alstom). Each car uses a pair ofelectromechanicalactuatorsto achieve the desired tilting angle. The train can tilt to a maximum of eight degrees, at which point one side of the train is 380 mm (15 in) higher above the track than the other. In contrast to other Fiat Ferroviaria tilting trains which usehydraulictilting actuators, the electromechanical system offers lower maintenance cost and higher efficiency.[11]

Design

[edit]

Overview

[edit]
AVirgin TrainsPendolino tilting into one of the many curves on the northern part of the WCML.

The Pendolino is a high-speedelectric multiple unittrain, which incorporates Fiat Ferroviaria's tilting trainPendolinotechnology. According to Ian Scoley of the design firm Priestman Goode, the design of the Pendolino is "more reminiscent of an aircraft than a train".[11]It has a maximum design speed of 140 mph (225 km/h), which requires compatible infrastructure to do so. A nine-carriage Pendolino reportedly weighs around 471tonnes, which is equivalent to a dozen fully laden lorries.[11]The structure of the Pendolino is largely composed of extruded aluminium panels; allegedly, this material is responsible for the train's exterior surface being considerably smoother than its steel counterparts.[11]The cross-section of the bodyshell is deliberatelytapered;this shaping is a necessary requirement imposed by the train's ability to tilt around corners. To avoid the risk of striking passing trains or static structures whilst a carriage is being tilted, it necessitates that the body be narrower towards the top than it is at wheel height.[11]

The nose of the Pendolino is manufactured out of composite materials andmouldedin a similar fashion as has been used to produce the shells ofracing cars.[11]This construction methodology has been claimed to have been readily compatible with the aerodynamic contouring techniques practised while also retaining considerable structural strength. Allegedly, at one stage of development, the nose was intended totaperas far forwards as 7 m (23 ft), similar to the noses ofJapanesebullet trains.[11]However, as the design was refined, this was reduced to a tapering length of just 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in) due to design constraints, while a roof fairing extends the curvature rearwards by a further 3 m (9 ft 10 in), located directly above and behind the driver's windscreen. To validate its performance, the forward section of the trains was subject to considerable aerodynamic testing to prove its suitability for high-speed operations.[11]

Tilting

[edit]

ThePendolinofeatures an actively actuated tilt system.[11]Each of the carriages cantiltup to eightdegrees from the vertical; this is done to manage the forces imposed between high speed trains and the track while traversing corners. On top of this, the lines of the Network Rail network are oftencantedup to sixdegrees, akin to a shallow-bankedvelodrome;when combined with the Pendolino's tilt system, the train can reportedly comfortably take curves at a 20percent greater speed than it otherwise would be able to do so.[11]

An Avanti Pendolino tilting into a corner in Scotland

The active tilting mechanism is achieved using electrically operated tilt activators, which are situated under each carriage.[11]Unlike some alternative systems, which are pre-programmed to tilt at sections of a pre-determined route, the Pendolino's tilt system actively detects the upcoming corners using sensors and tilts appropriately to correspond. As tilting may not be appropriate or possible at some locations along the route, such as when travelling close to bridges and tunnels, the tilt mechanism can be disabled by an onboard system, called theTilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision(TASS). This system relies upon tracksidebeacons,which are typically spaced around 5 miles (8.0 km) from one another, to transmit data to the train; this information, as well as temporarily locking-out the tilting mechanism from being used on relevant stretches of track, also relays the maximum permissible speeds for the adjacent corners.[11]

Safety

[edit]

ThePendolinoincorporates several different onboard safety systems, including theAutomatic Warning System(AWS) and theTrain Protection Warning System(TPWS); it was also planned to install compatible equipment for theEuropean Train Control System(ETCS).[11]These systems automatically deliver situational warnings regarding the relevant signals and speed limits to the driver and, if not reacted to appropriately, are able to bring the train to a complete halt. Unlike most trains, it also features aTilt Authorisation and Speed Supervision(TASS) system, which is used to control the onboard tilting mechanism.[11]In the event of an accident, each Pendolino also incorporates ablack box data recorder.Another structural measure designed to help dissipate the forces involved in an incident involving a severe collision, are thecrush zones,which can reportedly absorb three times the forces of existingHigh Speed Trains.[11]

ThePendolinofeatures relatively shallow windows in comparison to trains such as the Voyager; visually, the windows are linked by a black livery line to form a continuous band running along the length of the train. A combination of structural constraints and internal configuration selections had determined the narrowness of the windows; the adoption of larger windows would have intrinsically weakened the bodyshell of each carriage. Reportedly, consideration was given to the adoption of asymmetric window layout during the design process, but this was ultimately discarded in favour of the arrangement used in service instead.[11]

Due to these design choices, thePendolinohas a very high level of structural integrity. In theGrayrigg derailmentincident, where the unit involved was travelling at a speed of 95 mph (150 km/h) and derailed at a set of points sending the carriages off the track and down a bank, out of the 104 passengers and 4 crew: 1 died, and 30 were seriously injured. This low fatality number is attributed to the strength and safety of the unit.[13]

Traction systems

[edit]

ThePendolino'spropulsion system incorporates Alstom's Onix traction drive system, which controls 12 separatetraction motors,each capable of providing up to 570 horsepower (430 kW).[11]Traction motors are suspended from the underside of the carriage bodies and connected to the driving wheels using aCardan shaftand transfer gearbox thus lowering theunsprung massand consequent track wear at high speeds, a feature inherited from its APT ancestor.[13]Combined, they are capable of producing a rate of acceleration of up to 0.43 ms−2,which enables the train to accelerate from stationary to 60 mph (100 km/h) in just over 60 seconds. Power for eachPendolinois supplied in the form of 25,000voltsAC,and is delivered via theoverhead catenaryinfrastructure installed across its route.[11]A particularly unusual measure, which was adopted to account for the train's tilting ability, is incorporated into thepantograph,the roof-mounted mechanism which connects the train to the overhead wires; it also features an active tilting system, which moves the pantograph to a precise angle in opposition to the direction of the carriages' tilt, allowing contact with the overhead catenary to be smoothly maintained.[11]

Passenger amenities

[edit]

ThePendolinofeatures a number of amenities and innovations, such as a walk-in shop in place of the traditional buffet/restaurant car and the extensive presence of passenger visual information systems, which are installed on both the inside of the car ends and on the outside of the doors themselves.[11]In response to criticisms of the pressure-operated automatic gangway doors fitted to theMark 3andMark 4carriages (which could easily be held open by items of luggage resting on the floor sensor, allowing draughts into the passenger saloon), the gangway doors of thePendolinohave press buttons instead. To assist the boarding process, the doors deploy folding steps at stations; this feature is claimed to have been first used on theAPT-P.[citation needed]

Originally, every seat had an integrated on-board entertainment system, which featured radio stations, includingVirgin Radio,severalBBC stations,and a number of pre-recorded music channels. Listings booklets were provided on board and headphones could be purchased at the shop.[11]During March 2010, this system was replaced by onboardWi-FifromT-Mobile.[14]First class passengers were provided with a 240 voltmains power socketat each seat.[11]

ThePendolinouses an electronic seat reservations system.[11]Each seat has a smalldot-matrixLCDinstalled near the top. If the seat is reserved, the display shows the station the seat is booked from until the train leaves that station; it subsequently displays "Available unless occupied". The display can also show the name of the passenger if this has been entered at the time of booking. This information is provided by the onboard Train Management System (TMS), which downloads current data via mobile operatorVodafone’s wireless network from the national Customer Reservation System shared by all train operators.[11]The TMS is also used to provide route information to the passenger visual information systems. If a train is rescheduled, the system can rapidly be updated and the displayed information changed to reflect the new schedule.[11]

Consist

[edit]

The original 53-unit Pendolino fleet was delivered in nine-car formation (although some units initially operated as eight-car units), with vehicles built at the formerMetro-CammellWashwood Heathplant (by then owned by Alstom), in Birmingham. Thirty-one units were later extended to 11-car formation, with the addition of two new carriages (the 653xx Trailer (Car U) and the 689xx Motor (Car F)), built by Alstom atSaviglianoin Italy. Units that had been extended were renumbered into the 390/1 range by having 100 added to their original unit numbers (for example, 390003 became 390103). Four additional Savigliano-built 11-car units (nos. 390154–390157) were delivered at the same time, to support service enhancements.[citation needed]

Operations

[edit]
Interior of the cab of a Class 390
Virgin Trains Class 390 atNorthamptonin flowing silk livery
Avanti West CoastClass 390 atLondon Euston

The service introduction of thePendolinowas repeatedly delayed, a fact which has been attributed to the poor project management and the collapse of infrastructure ownerRailtrack.[15]The fleet was introduced into passenger services fromBirmingham InternationaltoManchester Piccadillyon 23 July 2002 to coincide with the opening of the2002 Commonwealth Gamesin Manchester.[16]During the Games, they operated a daily return service between the two cities, however, it was not until 27 January 2003 that the firstPendolinocarried passengers betweenLondon Eustonand Manchester Piccadilly.[15]

For some time, a return trip was worked by aPendolinoon Thursdays only, but over the following months, the type took over the Manchester services, and was soon introduced on routes from London toLiverpool Lime Street,Birmingham New Street,WolverhamptonandPreston.[citation needed]By late 2003, the last of the elderlyClass 86locomotives had been withdrawn from the route.[citation needed]

During 2004, the fleet's sphere of operation was expanded further. Pendolinos started to operate services toGlasgow Central,and by the end of summer, in theory, all services north of Preston were worked by Class 390 units. This allowed the finalClass 90locomotives to be withdrawn, and inroads were made into the mainClass 87fleet. It was expected that all locomotive-hauled trains would have been replaced by the end of 2004, but the Pendolinos suffered from several technical problems, which granted the Class 87s a temporary reprieve. By January 2005, only eight locomotives remained, for use on peak London Euston to Birmingham New Street services.[citation needed]

Another development during 2004 was the clearing of the units for theNorth Wales Coast LinefromCrewetoHolyhead.This line is not electrified, so Virgin'sClass 57/3Thunderbirddiesel locomotiveswere used to haul the Pendolinos. After Virgin Trains lost theCrossCountry franchise,the company decided to allocate its remainingClass 221Super Voyagersto the coastal line, ending the practice of haulingPendolinosfrom Crewe and thus making several Class 57 locomotives redundant. These locomotives have specialDellner couplingadaptors and electrical systems to make them compatible with Pendolino trains, allowing failed units to be rescued quicker. The Class 57s are also used when engineering works force Pendolino services to run over non-electrified diversionary routes.

The entirePendolinofleet is allocated to Alstom'sManchester Traincare CentreatLongsight,where heavy maintenance is carried out. Longsight has a hoist on which an entire Pendolino unit can be lifted. Lighter maintenance, cleaning and overnight stabling are carried out at Alstom's other centres: Wembley (London),Oxley(Wolverhampton),Edge Hill(Liverpool) and Polmadie (Glasgow).

On 5 April 2012, the first 11-car Pendolino entered service on the London-Birmingham-Wolverhampton and London-Manchester routes.[citation needed]

Problems and incidents

[edit]

In October 2004, a train overshot the platform atLiverpool Lime Streetstation and collided with the buffer stops, and a similar incident occurred a few weeks later at the same station.[17]TheRail Safety and Standards Board's inquiry into the incident identified asoftware glitchin the wheel-slip protection (WSP) system whereby the train's friction brakes were inhibited at low speeds after prolonged coasting (such as that occurring on approach to a station). The units were limited to 110 mph (180 km/h) for a short period until modifications to the software were made.[18]

As a result of the smaller cabin dimensions necessitated by the tilting geometry, the higher floor needed to package the tilting mechanisms themselves, and the need to provide disabled toilets, the units have a lowerseating capacitythan the nine-car Mark 2 and Mark 3 rakes that they replaced. The result has been severe overcrowding on some services, something that Virgin somewhat mitigated through the increased frequency of service, and with the increase to 11-car formations.

The smaller size of thePendolinowindows has attracted comment and, in fact, the window size is unprecedented for British railway rolling stock. The wider window pillars mean that in some standard class carriages, 22.5% of the seats are parallel with either no window or only a limited portion of one, however the roll-over strength of the bodyshell was commented on regarding the crashworthiness performance of the train in the RAIB Accident Report into the derailment at Grayrigg.[19]

Grayrigg derailment

[edit]
Main article:Grayrigg derailment
The scene at the Grayrigg derailment

On 23 February 2007, a faulty set ofpointscaused a Virgin TrainsPendolinotoderailnearGrayriggin Cumbria. The train, unit 390033, named "City of Glasgow", formed the 17:15 departure fromLondon Eustonbound forGlasgow Central.115 people were on board, one of whom died from trauma suffered in the crash. The train's excellentcrashworthinesswas credited with preventing more fatalities.

The train was formally written off on 30 November 2007, owing to the prohibitive cost of repair against the price of a new unit; a driving car and carriage from the train were subsequently put into use for training purposes at the Virgin Trains Talent Academy in Crewe.[20]Virgin Trains then leased a Class 90, Mk3 coaches and a DVT (Driving Van Trailer), all painted in Virgin's new livery, and nicknamed the "Pretendolino" by Alstom maintenance staff, as a temporary replacement for the train written off.[21]Occasionally, the name even appeared in official communications.[22]Subsequently, the set was handed back to the leasing company.

Speed records

[edit]

In September 2006, a Pendolino completed the fastest ever southbound run along the 401 mi (645 km) length of theWest Coast Main Linefrom Glasgow Central to London Euston, at 3hours and 55minutes. The previous record was 4hours and 14minutes, set in 1981 by the Pendolino's ancestor,British Rail'sAdvanced Passenger Train(APT).[23]

In June 2021, another record-breaking attempt was made with a Pendolino, this time in the northbound direction. The Pendolino completed the journey in 3hours, 53minutes and 1second; faster than the 2006 Pendolino run, but narrowly missing the APT's northbound record, which stands at 3hours, 52minutes and 40seconds.[24]

Though the trains are limited to a maximum of 125 mph in service, faster runs have been made in 2003 when the trains were in the final stages of testing before introduction to service. On night-time runs between Rugby, Nuneaton and Lichfield Trent Valley, 390002 achieved a record speed for the class of 145.7 mph (234.5 km/h), as witnessed byModern Railwaysmagazine.[25]

Fleet developments

[edit]

Additional capacity

[edit]

Following a large increase in passenger numbers following the WCML modernisation, theDepartment for Transportannounced a capacity increase by procuring additional units (with one intended to replace the unit damaged at Grayrigg). Four new units have been built with 11 cars, and 31 existing units lengthened to 11 cars.[26]

This required major changes to stations and depots to accommodate the 11-car units. Virgin Rail Projects was set up to introduce these new trains with the new franchise winner as well as Alstom, Network Rail and the current franchise holder, Virgin Trains West Coast, to ensure the new units were able to run from 1 April 2012.

Because Washwood Heath works had closed, the additional vehicles were manufactured in Alstom'sSaviglianofactory in Italy.[27]

Virgin TrainsClass 390Alstom PendolinoatPreston stationin February 2017
Avanti West CoastClass 390ProgressatCarlisle stationin September 2021

The first new units were built with 11 cars and delivered via theChannel Tunnelto Edge Hill.[28][29]The first was accepted on 12 July 2011.

In March 2012, unit 390055 operated a test run on theEast Coast Main LinefromEdinburghtoLondon King's Cross.[30]

With the franchise process in place, and Virgin Trains' franchise extended until December 2012, the first 11-car unit (390156) entered service on 5 April 2012. The remaining new units were brought into service, and 31 units increased to 11 carriages, over the next eight months.[31]The lengthening project was completed in December 2012.[32]

Reconfiguration of nine-car units

[edit]

As part of the subsequent extension of the franchise until April 2017,[33][34]Virgin Trains made further enhancements to the Pendolinos.[35]The 21 nine-car units each had one first class carriage converted to standard class.[36][37][38]This work was completed by September 2015.[39]

Proposed order by Alliance Rail Operations

[edit]

In its successful submission to operate services from London Euston toBlackpool North,Alliance Rail Holdingsproposed purchasing four Class 390s for entry into service in 2018. However, as the 390s no longer met crashworthiness standards for new trains, aderogationwould have been required.[40]With Alliance Rail not able to obtain this, in June 2017 it dropped its plans to purchase 390s.[40][41]

Avanti West Coast refurbishment

[edit]

In December 2019, all 56 trains transferred toAvanti West Coast,operators of the newWest Coast Partnership.[42]A major interior refurbishment of the fleet commenced in 2021, involving the replacement of all carpeting and standard-class seats, installation of power sockets at every seat, provision of more luggage space in second class, refitting of the onboard shop, installation of new lighting, and the reupholstering of existing seats in first and standard premium classes.[43][44]Additionally, one first-class coach in each of the 35 eleven-car 390/1 units was converted to standard class in order to provide additional capacity.[44]The refurbishment programme cost £117 million and ran until 2024, with the work being performed byAlstomatWidnesinCheshire.[43][44]

The first of the refurbished units returned to service on 25 April 2022.[44]The refurbishment has resulted in a modest increase in capacity on the 11-car sets because of the conversion of coach G from first class to standard class. The result, once adjustments for the new standard class seats are taken into account, is an additional 64 standard class seats and a loss of 46 first class seats, for a new total capacity of 607 seats.[45][46]

Fleet details

[edit]
Class Operator Qty. Year built Cars per unit Unit nos. Notes
390/0 Avanti West Coast 22 2001–2005 9 390001–390002, 390005–390006, 390008–390011, 390013, 390016, 390020, 390039–390040, 390042–390047, 390049–390050[4] 390033 scrapped due toGrayrigg derailment,2 vehicles at AWC training centre for training


390/1 31 11 390103–390104, 390107, 390112, 390114–390115, 390117–390119, 390121–390132, 390134–390138, 390141, 390148, 390151–390153[4] 31 units lengthened to 11 cars each in 2012.
4 2010–2012 390154–390157[4] New units purchased as part of extension order.[29]

Liveries

[edit]

All units were delivered in Virgin Trains livery of silver bodysides with black areas around the windows, red roofs and red cab-sides with the red areas on the cabs separated from the silver with a curved white band. Doors were originally painted with grey and white stripes. These were re-vinyled in plain grey in 2015.

From September 2017 onwards, the fleet was repainted by Alstom inWidnesinto a new livery known as "Flowing Silk", featuring plain white bodysides, black roofs and a vinyl applied red swoosh around the driving cab intended to visually represent a moving piece of silk.[47][48]The livery was designed to use neutral colours at the behest of theDepartment for Transportto allow for an easier rebranding.[49]The first unit to wear this livery was 390010.[50]All of the nine-car units were repainted with last to be treated in August 2018, with repaints then commencing on the eleven-car units. The final unit to receive the full Flowing Silk livery did so in August 2019. Subsequent repaints omitted all Virgin branding in preparation for the end of the franchise in December 2019.[51]

Illustration of a Virgin Trains Class 390/1 unit in original livery
Illustration of a Virgin Trains Class 390/1 unit in "Flowing Silk" livery
Illustration of an Avanti West Coast Class 390/1 unit

Names

[edit]

All 53 of the original units were given cast nameplates in a standard style bearing the word Pendolino on the top of each name although several units were subsequently renamed with similar replacement cast nameplates being fitted. New cast names were applied to the additional four units after they had initially entered service without names.

Cast nameplates were removed from each unit when they were repainted into 'Flowing Silk' in 2017–2018, and most of the Virgin-prefixed names have not been re-applied. However, those named after places, people and events have generally had the name re-applied in the form of a vinyl sticker.[49][52]

List

[edit]
Key: In service Scrapped
Number Name Notes
390001 Bee Together[52] FormerlyVirgin Pioneer.[citation needed]Named on 20 July 2018 to mark launch of exhibition of over 100 sculptures of Manchester's worker bee emblem.[53]
390002 Stephen Sutton[52] Named after teenage cancer patient who raised over £5million before his death in 2014.[54]
  • 390003
  • (390103)
 Asquith Xavier[55] FormerlyVirgin Hero.Between 2014 and 2019 carriedRoyal British LegionWorld War I commemorative branding.[56]
  • 390004
  • (390104)
 Alstom Pendolino[52] In September 2010 it was given a co-branded livery in partnership with Alstom and Virgin Trains.[57][58]
390005 City of Wolverhampton[59][52]
390006 Rethink Mental Illness[52] FormerlyVirgin Sun,thenTate Liverpool.[citation needed]New name carried as a sticker.
  • 390007
  • (390107)
 FormerlyVirgin Lady,thenIndependence Day: Resurgence.[citation needed]Carried temporarily applied vinyls on each vehicle to promote the film for several months commencing June 2016.

Was the first 11-car Pendolino to have Virgin's updated 'Flowing Silk' livery.

390008 Charles Rennie Mackintosh[52] FormerlyVirgin King.Named atGlasgow Centralon 19 March 2018 as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of famed architect and artist[60][52]
390009 Treaty of Union[59][52] FormerlyVirgin Queen
390010 Cumbrian Spirit[61] FormerlyCommonwealth Games 2002,then renamedChris Green,then renamedA Decade of Progressat Wolverhampton in May 2007 after a book written by John Balmforth.

Was the first 9-car Pendolino to have Virgin's updated 'Flowing Silk' livery. CastThe Cumbrian Spiritnameplates removed and name now carried by a sticker in the same style.

390011 City of Lichfield[59][52]
  • 390012
  • (390112)
 FormerlyVirgin Star.Wore temporarily applied Christmas-themed vinyls on each driving car during December 2014 and branded 'Traindeer'[62]
390013 Blackpool Belle FormerlyVirgin Spirit.Wore temporarily applied Christmas-themed vinyls on each driving car during December 2015 and branded 'Penguilino'.[63]Named ‘Blackpool Belle’ in 2018 to celebrate the launch of Pendolino services to Blackpool.[64]
  • 390014
  • (390114)
 City of Manchester[59][52]
  • 390015
  • (390115)
 Crewe All Change FormerlyVirgin Crusader[59]
  • 390016
  • (390200)
 Railway 200 FormerlyVirgin Champion[citation needed].Named to mark 200th anniversary of the modern railway.[65]
  • 390017
  • (390117)
 Blue Peter FormerlyVirgin Prince.[59]Current name unveiled in October 2018 to mark the 60th anniversary of the BBC children's TV programme of the same name.[66]
  • 390018
  • (390118)
 FormerlyVirgin Princess[59]
  • 390019
  • (390119)
 Progress FormerlyVirgin Warrior,[59]then renamedUnknown Soldier.Name unveiled on 11 November 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end ofWorld War I.Carries vinyls on all 11 carriages forAvanti West CoastPride
390020 FormerlyVirgin Cavalier[citation needed]
  • 390021
  • (390121)
 Opportunity[67] FormerlyVirgin Dream[59]Carries vinyls on all 11 carriages forAvanti West Coastclimate livery forCop26inGlasgowto tackle Climate change.
  • 390022
  • (390122)
 Penny the Pendolino[68] FormerlyVirgin Hope
  • 390023
  • (390123)
 FormerlyVirgin Glory[citation needed]
  • 390024
  • (390124)
 FormerlyVirgin Venturer[citation needed]
  • 390025
  • (390125)
 FormerlyVirgin Stagecoach.First Pendolino to have Avanti's fully refurbished interior.[69]
  • 390026
  • (390126)
 FormerlyVirgin Enterprise[citation needed]
  • 390027
  • (390127)
 FormerlyVirgin Buccaneer[citation needed]
  • 390028
  • (390128)
 City of Preston[52]
  • 390029
  • (390129)
 City of Stoke-on-Trent[52] Wore temporarily applied vinyls on all nine coaches advertisingSuperman Returnsduring 2006 and temporarily applied vinyls on all nine coaches advertisingMonkey: Journey to the Westduring 2007. Cab-end nameplates "Brett" installed in 2022.[70]
  • 390030
  • (390130)
 City of Edinburgh[52]
  • 390031
  • (390131)
 City of Liverpool[52]
  • 390032
  • (390132)
 City of Birmingham[52]
390033 City of Glasgow Crashed at Grayriggon 23 February 2007; formally written off on 30 November 2007.[71][72]The two undamaged vehicles were taken to the Virgin Trains staff training centre in Crewe.[20]One damaged, but substantially intact, vehicle was donated toCranfield University'saccident investigation laboratory,[73]and a further two such vehicles were used at theFire Service CollegeinMoreton-in-Marshuntil they were scrapped in 2022.[74]
  • 390034
  • (390134)
 City of Carlisle[52]
  • 390035
  • (390135)
 City of Lancaster[52] Name missing on one side since repaint June 2019, name only carried on eastern side (when running in normal formation).
  • 390036
  • (390136)
 City of Coventry[52]
  • 390037
  • (390137)
 FormerlyVirgin Difference[citation needed]
  • 390038
  • (390138)
 City of London[52]
390039 Lady Godiva FormerlyVirgin Quest.RenamedLady Godivaon 4 April 2019.[75][76]It also has the newCoventryflag on it.[77]
390040 FormerlyVirgin Pathfinder,thenVirgin Radio Star.[citation needed]Wore branding on both driving cars advertisingVirgin Radiofrom April 2016 until November 2017.
  • 390041
  • (390141)
 FormerlyCity of Chester[citation needed]
390042 FormerlyCity of Bangor/Dinas Bangor.[citation needed]Wore a different nameplate on each side, one in English and the other in Welsh. Name was moved toClass 221 Super Voyagerunit 221 116.[52]
390043 FormerlyVirgin Explorer[citation needed]
390044 Royal Scot FormerlyVirgin Lionheart.Renamed before attempting to beat the London to Glasgow speed record set by the APT.[78]The train failed by 21 seconds but set a new London to Glasgow speed record for the Class 390.[79]
390045 Birmingham Pride[80] FormerlyVirgin Valiant,then101 Squadron,thenVirgin Pride.Carried rainbow branding on coaches A and K with #ridewithpride slogan.
390046 FormerlyVirgin Soldiersafter the novelThe Virgin SoldiersbyLeslie Thomas.[citation needed]
390047 FormerlyVirgin Atlantic,thenHeaven's Angels,thenCLIC Sargent.[citation needed]From 2006 this unit was named after the official nominated charity of Virgin Trains which was intended to change on rotation, Heaven's Angels name applied after record attempt to cover Glasgow–London in the shortest ever time on 22 September 2006.
  • 390048
  • (390148)
 Flying Scouseman FormerlyVirgin Harrier.Renamed as part of theLiverpool Echotrain naming competition in June 2017.[81]
390049 FormerlyVirgin Express[59]
390050 FormerlyVirgin Invader[citation needed]
  • 390051
  • (390151)
 FormerlyVirgin Ambassador,thenUnknown Soldier.[citation needed]CarriedUnion Flagbranding and 'Business is Great' slogans on coaches A and K
  • 390052
  • (390152)
 FormerlyVirgin Knight[citation needed]
  • 390053
  • (390153)
 FormerlyMission Accomplished[citation needed]
390154 FormerlyMatthew Flinders.[citation needed]Named atEustonstation by theDuke of Cambridgeon 18 July 2014
390155 Railway Benefit Fund FormerlyX-Men: Days of Future Past.Named atEustonstation on 31 March 2014 to promote the film of the same name.[82][83]NamedRailway Benefit Fundin April 2021 as part of a fundraising drive by Avanti West Coast, promoting the charity of the same name.[84]
390156 Pride and Prosperity[85][52] FormerlyStockport 170.[citation needed]Delivered to Manchester Longsight on 13 February 2012. First 11-car into service on 5 April 2012. Named on 9 December 2019 to celebrate the launch of Avanti West Coast operations on the West Coast Partnership franchise.
390157 Chad Varah[86]

References

[edit]
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Further reading

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related toBritish Rail Class 390.
  • "Class 390 extension programme enters its final stages".Rail.No. 710. Peterborough: Bauer. 28 November – 11 December 2012. p. 33.ISSN0953-4563.OCLC49953699.
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