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Avanti West Coast rebrand

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Merle Haggard

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I'm sure this was already mentioned that the VT code is the operator code. The code for LNER is still GR, and it's been what, 10 years since GNER operated? Greater Anglia is LE - not even sure how long that's been out of use?

Other operators (LNwR, TPE at least) that show AWC services in their printed timetable leaflets still use the code 'VT', with notes decoding this as 'Avanti West Coast'.
Now I realise that the leaflets are sourced from a computer database, and it's a big job to alter the code; but how hard would it be to amend it at the printers?
 

NewSt

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Other operators (LNwR, TPE at least) that show AWC services in their printed timetable leaflets still use the code 'VT', with notes decoding this as 'Avanti West Coast'.
Now I realise that the leaflets are sourced from a computer database, and it's a big job to alter the code; but how hard would it be to amend it at the printers?

Northern do too, although they say 'First Trenitalia West Coast' in the key.
 

BurtonM

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One significant issue is platform staff uniforms. Changed from Virgin red to a dark blue (?). Makes them difficult to identify on platforms.

So they've taken to wearing hi-viz ... but given how many others wear hi-viz ...
Nothing will be a shade on Virgin uniforms. Hi-vis is terrible.
 

_toommm_

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No need to assume its a 390, it says so in the link you posted:

Pathed as Class 390 EMU
Planned for 125mph max

That is just a timing load, and is not always indicative of what is actually going to operate the service.

For example, some LNER services are still timed as HSTs even though LNER no longer operate them.
 

najaB

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That is just a timing load, and is not always indicative of what is actually going to operate the service.
True, generally, however with 390s it is normally correct since the only other EPS capable train would be a Voyager (and they have lower EPS speeds in places).
 

py_megapixel

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Have they removed the irritating announcement about the catering services from the platform?

You can find the shop! in coach C, for delicious hot and cold refreshments.
 

LeylandLen

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For those unable to see the numbers in #401 ,the Avanti Voyager is 221101 , the one in Virgin livery is 221113.I assume on a service to or from Chester and N Wales.
 

NewSt

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So voyagers aren't getting full Avanti WC Livery then?

Nothing's been confirmed for the other sets, as they still have to be repainted so may well end up in the full AWC livery, however 221101 is the unit that was originally in Flowing Silk and was therefore debranded like the pendos and had that livery put on for a press launch before the 221 refurb contract was announced.
 

setdown

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Look at that poor nose cone on 221101! Obviously a bit more came off than just the old Virgin shield!
 

Trainfan2019

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For those unable to see the numbers in #401 ,the Avanti Voyager is 221101 , the one in Virgin livery is 221113.I assume on a service to or from Chester and N Wales.

Thanks for clarifying the numbers, I forgot to include these. Can't remember the route it was on though as was too eager to get a photo!
 

NewSt

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Thanks for clarifying the numbers, I forgot to include these. Can't remember the route it was on though as was too eager to get a photo!

If it was 10 car then it will most likely have been splitting at Chester, with one half continuing to Holyhead and the other terminating there.
 

timothyw9

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As Bletchleyite mentioned, VT didn't used to, LNER don't, TPE I'm not sure about but Greater Anglia don't either and they tend to wear grey jackets.
Whilst I'm not sure about TPE Dispatch staff at York & Newcastle, at Manchester Piccadilly & Leeds, its just standard TPE uniform that both guards and platform staff wear.

Our coats are pretty similar in colour to Avantis, that said I've never had any issues in being identified. I think its probably an issue of Avantis uniform being too subtle and difficult to identify?
 

LeylandLen

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Thanks for clarifying the numbers, I forgot to include these. Can't remember the route it was on though as was too eager to get a photo!
Not that important but if you can give a time the pic was taken , it would help. I guess 1455 ish ?Looks to be in platform 5 at Crewe ; the wording on the 'Virgin' voyager looks to read London Euston, Milton Keynes Central and Welcome Aboard but I cant read the figures.
Obviously its a double 221 Voyager ; I think its taken about 1455 Friday. Looks to be in platform 5 ; I assume you were on platform 6 ! 221113 was on 1H43 Holyhead to Euston joined with 221101 at Chester. 221101 had previously worked `1D86 1210 Euston to Chester so the combined Voyagers worked south from Chester as 1H43.
NewSt in #410 was almost right; they had joined at Chester as it was a southbound service !

Also, I understand rebranding of 390s is done at Alstom Widnes. Would 221101 have been done at Barton Under Needwood Rsmd near Wolverhampton ?
 
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Merle Haggard

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The yellow sticky tape on 221101 is mysterious! I took this photo at MKC this morning (no doubt arousing the curiosity of everyone around me) but it confirms, from the triangle, that it once had the same lettering as the other end.
Edited - it's a triangle, not an 'A'...



221101.jpg
 

Bletchleyite

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Has the other end got the AVANTI WEST COAST lettering visible, then? I wondered if it was something odd like having the lettering in black meant there wasn't enough yellow there.

I wonder did they spell it wrong on that end or something? :D
 

Merle Haggard

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Has the other end got the AVANTI WEST COAST lettering visible, then? I wondered if it was something odd like having the lettering in black meant there wasn't enough yellow there.

I wonder did they spell it wrong on that end or something? :D

Yes indeed, the other end has the full lettering. There didn't seem to be any uneven-ness in the surface (dent from bird etc. strike) so I did think that your second suggestion might apply. Quite impressive to miss-spell one of those 3 short words, though...

Incidentally, I noticed the departure sheets at Preston show, above the station, the operator. Illogically, this is shown as 'Northern' for the local stations but 'First Trenitalia West Coast' (for Rugby)
 

Bletchleyite

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Another possibility is that that unit was used on launch day (I believe) hence the lettering, and they might only have got round to untaping the end they were going to take photos of.
 

Bletchleyite

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AVANTI
WET TOAST

A damp squib is what the franchise feels like, to be honest. A bit like Virgin but with none of the sparkle (though to their credit no more talking bogs and a slightly less chatty PA style).

"Avanti West Coast. It's OKish. Could be worse, could be LNR."

Definitely no Italian flair! :)
 

Grumpy Git

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Bit of a mystery as the volume of tape makes me think there is more to hide than what is on show at 'tother end?

It's also a bit amateur, printing a logo / name onto what can only be described as a dog's breakfast of a paint-job!
 
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