Avanti West Coast rebrand

[Wyrleybart]

As well as north of Crewe/ Stafford towards Manchester, and between Wolverhampton and Stafford

Are you sure ?
I thought the Hitachis are replacing the 221s, so will correspondingly be operating the services 221s currently operate - which includes EUS-BHM, BHM-GLC / EDB, as well as Trent valley diversions via the West Mids etc.

 

[Voyager lad]

Are you sure ?
I thought the Hitachis are replacing the 221s, so will correspondingly be operating the services 221s currently operate - which includes EUS-BHM, BHM-GLC / EDB, as well as Trent valley diversions via the West Mids etc.

They are replacing the 221s, however not quite directly replacing them in terms of services. The bi modes (5 coaches) are for London - Chester, Shrewsbury, Gobowen, Llandudno and Holyhead. The EMU’s (7 coaches which they say is equivalent to a 9 car Pendolino) are for London - Birmingham, Liverpool and Blackpool. This will help to disperse Pendolinos from these purely electric routes to run on services such as EUS - GLC/ EDB via BHM. Hope this helps

 

[LNW-GW Joint]

They'll be replaced in 2022 by Hitachi AT300 units (Class TBA); 13 5-car bi-modes & 10 7-car straight electrics.
Bi-modes will work to Chester, Shrewsbury, and Holyhead, with portions splitting off the Holyhead train en route to serve Llandudno Town & Gobowen (presumably every other hour); meanwhile the straight electrics will work to Liverpool Lime Street, Birmingham New Street & Blackpool North.
This then leaves the WCML north of Preston (Fylde Jct) a 390-exclusive zone.

As I understand it, the Llandudno/Gobowen extensions are to be once daily at the most.
Gobowen is just an extension of the current Wrexham peak service.
There doesn't seem to be a general plan to extend more Avanti services west of Chester.
But we shall see - a couple of years yet.

 

[Voyager lad]

As I understand it, the Llandudno/Gobowen extensions are to be once daily at the most.
Gobowen is just an extension of the current Wrexham peak service.
There doesn't seem to be a general plan to extend more Avanti services west of Chester.
But we shall see - a couple of years yet.

Gobowen is to be once a day (extension of the existing Wrexham service), but I think Llandudno was to be twice daily, possibly more during summer months and on Saturdays. And I think from December 2022 there was to be one extra train a day each way extended from Chester to/ from Llandudno Junction

 

[yorkie]

Just a gentle reminder that the scope of this thread is Avanti West Coast rebrand

Please use the Allocations, Diagrams & Timetables area for planned service patterns (or Speculative Ideas to discuss suggested service patterns)

Thanks

 

[Moocow1973]

I thought the last VT uniforms were really smart, has a new uniform range been rolled out by Avanti yet?

 

[hexagon789]

I thought the last VT uniforms were really smart, has a new uniform range been rolled out by Avanti yet?

Navy blue I believe

 

[The Bear]

I thought the last VT uniforms were really smart, has a new uniform range been rolled out by Avanti yet?

Do you think some parts (certainly the suit jackets) of the uniform look a little bit like BR's last uniform?

Navy blue I believe

They are still wearing the same uniforms I believe with just the heavily branded Virgin coats & jackets having been replaced.

 

[Calum1]

Avanti need a more striking, simple livery.

i think the ivery should have been red based as it suits the trains, im not a fan of greens and orange in general

 

[hexagon789]

They are still wearing the same uniforms I believe with just the heavily branded Virgin coats & jackets having been replaced.

So the 'new' uniforms was just publicity really and they've just got rid of anything outwardly "Virgin"?

Why doesn't that surprise me

 

[Fokx]

They are still wearing the same uniforms I believe with just the heavily branded Virgin coats & jackets having been replaced.

I can’t speak for all roles but drivers seem to be wearing full all Navy similar to Transpennine rather than any form of ex-virgin uniform

Navy trousers
Navy polo with front logo on left breast
Navy Harrington jacket with front and rear logo

 

[The Bear]

So the 'new' uniforms was just publicity really and they've just got rid of anything outwardly "Virgin"?

Why doesn't that surprise me

A new one will probably be in the pipeline but it'll have pass all the usually hurdles etc before being issued.

I can’t speak for all roles but drivers seem to be wearing full all Navy similar to Transpennine rather than any form of ex-virgin uniform

Navy trousers
Navy polo with front logo on left breast
Navy Harrington jacket with front and rear logo

From what I've heard.....
What items have been issued are just a stop gap until a new uniform is introduced;
Navy trousers - are ex-Virgin.
Navy polo with front logo on left breast - replaced the red Virgin branded polos.
Navy Harrington jacket with front and rear logo - replaced the red Virgin branded Harrington jackets. (same goes for the overcoats).
The light grey shirts with red-trimmed collars, red blocks etc are ex-Virgin ones.

 

[hexagon789]

A new one will probably be in the pipeline but it'll have pass all the usually hurdles etc before being issued.

The Avanti West Coast fashion show you mean?

 

[Andy Pacer]

This query may have been answered but is there any movement on further 390's gaining the livery? As far as I know there are still only two.

 

[py_megapixel]

I thought I read that the first two were just repainted for the franchise launch and the rest won't get Avanti livery until they go for full refurb

 

[Huntergreed]

This query may have been answered but is there any movement on further 390's gaining the livery? As far as I know there are still only two.

They were due to all get it by Easter, but the pandemic has stopped it. It wouldn’t shock me if they simply wait until the refurb now as it’ll save them sending them in twice over the next 6 months, provided the first refurb is still due out in December?

 

[Carlisle]

They were due to all get it by Easter, but the pandemic has stopped it. It wouldn’t shock me if they simply wait until the refurb now as it’ll save them sending them in twice over the next 6 months, provided the first refurb is still due out in December?

Will the franchise closely resembling its present commitments & proposals even survive ? given social distancing will trash any financial modelling it was all based on if it’s deemed necessary beyond September

 

[Huntergreed]

Will the franchise closely resembling its present commitments & proposals even survive ? given social distancing will trash any financial modelling it was all based on if it’s deemed necessary beyond September

I would imagine that the proposals are, for the time being, postponed until further notice. No TOC can survive and maintain previous service levels on the highly reduced capacity and social distancing guidelines that are currently in place, and if these are still mandatory and enforced in September, it’s going to be be very, very difficult indeed for Avanti to run all services, let alone upgrade them.

 

[Bungle965]

A new one will probably be in the pipeline but it'll have pass all the usually hurdles etc before being issued.



From what I've heard.....
What items have been issued are just a stop gap until a new uniform is introduced;
Navy trousers - are ex-Virgin.
Navy polo with front logo on left breast - replaced the red Virgin branded polos.
Navy Harrington jacket with front and rear logo - replaced the red Virgin branded Harrington jackets. (same goes for the overcoats).
The light grey shirts with red-trimmed collars, red blocks etc are ex-Virgin ones.

That is indeed correct. Although there are no logo's on the front of the overcoats, only the back.
New uniform is early next year

 

[Kettledrum]

They were due to all get it by Easter, but the pandemic has stopped it. It wouldn’t shock me if they simply wait until the refurb now as it’ll save them sending them in twice over the next 6 months, provided the first refurb is still due out in December?

Surely now is the time to get the new vinyls done, while there are fewer passengers to disrupt?

 

[Bungle965]

The wrapping is getting back underway in the next couple of weeks, apparently focusing on getting the end cars out first and then going back into the shop to receive the rest of the design.
The issues regarding the "A" causing confusion with actual coach A, is also being addressed.

 

[978wta]

Good to hear the livery Application is back on, still surprised non have been done since the 2 for the December takeover. Surely at least 3 more could have done between December and March.

 

[Murray J]

it's being reported that 390130 is in avanti livery now, can't find any photos though.

 

[Jamesrob637]

9 out of 10 sets I see on my daily exercise are still all-white. I've only seen an Avanti-branded set on a number of occasions I can count on one hand and I generally see 3 Pendolino per evening (sometimes I see four but the fourth is the return working of the first so doesn't really count!)

 

[Chiltern006]

https://m.facebook.com/groups/578776896000432?view=permalink&id=700462793831841&sfnsn=scwspwa&extid=Zo6DjpMNJCi775rZ

pics of 130

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

Avanti West Coast Rebranded Trains


221101 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: 101 Squadron

221102 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: John Cabot

221103 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Christopher Columbus

221104 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Sir John Franklin

221105 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: William Baffin

221106 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Willem Barents

221107 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Sir Marten Frobisher

221108 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Sir Ernest Shackleton

221109 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Marco Polo

221110 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: James Cook

221111 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Roald Amundsen

221112 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Ferdinand Magellan

221113 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Sir Walter Raleigh

221114 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Royal Airforce Centenary: 1918-2018

221115 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Polmadie Depot

221116 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: City of Bangor/Dinas Bangor

221117 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: The Wrekin Giant

221118 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded

221142 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Bombardier Voyager

221143 Virgin Challenger Red/Silver, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, metal: Auguste Pickard

390001 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Bee Together

390002 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Stephen Sutton

390005 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Wolverhampton

390006 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Rethink Mental Illness

390008 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Charles Rennie Mackintosh

390009 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Treaty of Union

390010 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
No Window Bands
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Cumbrian Spirit

390011 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Lichfield

390012 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390013 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390016 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390020 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390039 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
No Window Bands
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Lady Godiva

390040 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390042 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390043 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390044 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390045 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390046 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390047 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390049 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390050 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
No Window Bands

390103 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390104 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Alstom Pendolino

390107 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390114 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Manchester

390115 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Crewe - All Change

390117 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Blue Peter

390118 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390119 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Unknown Soldier

390121 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390122 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Penny the Pendolino

390123 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390124 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390125 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390126 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390127 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390128 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
No Window Bands
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Preston

390129 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Stoke-on-Trent

390130 Avanti West Coast Turquoise/Orange
Driving carriages only
Intermediate cars unbranded

390131 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Liverpool

390132 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Birmingham

390134 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Carlisle

390135 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Lancaster

390136 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Coventry

390137 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390138 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of London

390141 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: City of Chester

390148 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Flying Scouseman

390151 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390152 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390153 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390154 Neutral white, blank, unbranded

390155 Avanti West Coast Turquoise/Orange

390156 Avanti West Coast Turquoise/Orange
Cabside Avanti nameplate, vinyl: Pride and Prosperity

390157 Neutral white, blank, unbranded
Central Virgin nameplate, vinyl: Chad Varah


Hi, I’m TT-ONR-NRN and I monitor the rebranding of Avanti West Coast’s fleet. I try to post updates regularly, if you become aware of any changes please do let us know!

 

[hobbm013]

Regarding the list, 221101 did have Avanti Logos on its unbranded white livery. Not sure if it still does

 

[Jamesrob637]

One Pendo is named City of Edinburgh but unsure on the number.

 

[TT-ONR-NRN]

One Pendo is named City of Edinburgh but unsure on the number.

It was 390130 before it was rebranded into Avanti West Coast this week

 

[sufian123]

One Pendo is named City of Edinburgh but unsure on the number.

390130is city of Edinburgh