Avanti West Coast’s Pride Pendolino joins world’s largest-ever gathering of trains
Pendolino, 390119 'Progress', joins modern and historic trains at sold-out The Greatest Gathering event.
- Pendolino, 390119 ‘Progress’, on show at The Greatest Gathering event
- Avanti West Coast’s Pride train joins modern and historic trains at host Alstom’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby
- The sold-out event part was part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations
Avanti West Coast’s Pride Pendolino joins a line-up of modern and historic trains at the world’s largest-ever gathering of trains.
The train, named Progress, is on display at Alstom’s sold-out Greatest Gathering alongside over 70 trains including Locomotion 1 – the first ever train to carry passengers; the infamous Flying Scotsman steam locomotive; and the Class 43 diesel locomotive which pioneered modern intercity rail travel in the UK.
The event is taking place at the train manufacturer and maintainer’s Litchurch Lane Works in Derby as part of this year’s Railway 200 celebrations.
Progress, which was unveiled in 2020, was the first in the UK to be fully livery wrapped in the progressive pride flag.
A crowd of enthusiasts witnessed the Pendolino train (set number 390119) hauled by a Class 57 locomotive onto the site from Crewe to complete the line-up for the weekend and kick off celebrations. Arranged as a special charter service, this was the first time that a Pendolino had travelled to Derby with passengers onboard.
Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast said: “We were delighted to support The Greatest Gathering with our iconic Pride Pendolino, Progress.
“The weekend, as part of Railway 200, is all about celebrating the rich history of rail in this country, recognising the incredible transformation of rolling stock over two centuries and promoting career opportunities in the rail industry for the next generation.
“Well done to Alstom and all other supporting industry partners on this fantastic event and a great showcase for rail in this country.”
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About Avanti West Coast
Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.
We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos returned to the rails in June 2024 following a £117m investment programme that’s delivered the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, all 56 of these iconic trains have been transformed and now boast better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.
Our new Evero fleet was introduced in June 2024. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, will serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West, leading to a substantial cut in carbon emissions with an increase in seats, and offering improved comfort. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, these new trains are the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.
We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.
For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Press Office: 0845 000 3333