Pendolino refurbishment on target

The Pendolino refurbishment programme remains on target for completion by early 2024.

The latest set (390128) to leave Widnes, during the week ending September 25, was the 12th in the programme. It was replaced by 390103. When the 14th is released, that means a quarter of the 56-strong fleet will have been treated.

Initially, the 35 Class 390/1 11-car trains are being tackled at a rate of one every fortnight.

The work includes rebuilding coach G from First to Standard Class.

The second part of the programme, with 21 nine-car Class 390/0s to be refurbished, will be quicker as no major internal alterations are required.

Train Set 11 (390119), the Progress Train, is also back in service. In addition to its refurbishment, thanks to the support of Angel Trains and Alstom, it is sporting some colourful additions.

AWC said it always wanted ‘119’ to be “more than just a ‘trainbow’ and led by our LGBTQ+ colleagues, the messaging is loud and clear. We celebrate diversity and won’t tolerate discrimination of any kind.”