Livery for Avanti West Coast’s New Fleet of Trains Revealed

The livery for Avanti West Coast’s new fleet of trains has been revealed for the first time at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe facility in the North East.

The train’s stylish look takes its inspiration from Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino, with its palette of colours reflecting the landscape of the regions served by the West Coast operator.

The Class 805 bi-mode, numbered 805005, was undergoing some final touches before its scheduled departure to Oxley depot in the West Midlands next week, becoming the third train to formally transfer over to the Avanti West Coast fleet.

All three units will be used for main line testing and staff training, with the first trains due to enter service across the network in the coming months.

Ellie Woolmore, Head of Brand at Avanti West Coast commented: “The excitement around our new fleet is really starting to build. The new livery helps to give the train its identity, taking its lead from our iconic Pendolino fleet, whilst accentuating its sleek design.”

The 805 bi-mode unit is due to commence overnight test working, joining 805002 and 004 in the Avanti fleet. All three sets have been fast tracked to support the start of driver training. The Class 807s will follow once the 13 bi-mode trains have been delivered.

The application of the livery is being undertaken by Stewart Signs. This train is due to be accepted on 29 Sept, joining stablemates 805002 and 805004 in the AWC fleet, the latter having been formally handed over on 14 Sept.
The Hitachi test sets also paid their first ever visit to Holyhead on 1th September, with a test run from Oxley.

The news comes in the same week that the West Coast Partnership, which compromises Avanti West Coast and West Coast Partnership Development, was awarded an initial three-year National Rail Contract, with an option to extend for a further six years.

13 five-car bi-mode units are being built to replace Class 221 Voyagers on services between London Euston and stations on the North Wales Coast and Shrewsbury lines. Their introduction will allow the elimination of long-distance diesel working on electrified routes, only using their diesel power on non electrified sections of the routes.

10 Class 807 fully electric electric units which will run between London, the West Midlands and Liverpool are also on order, as part of £350 million contract. with Hitachi Rail.

See previous Focus Transport postings here and here

Update 28th September A video showing 805 005 leaving the Hitachi factory here watch from 6mins 30secs