The Glasgow Traincare Centre is to be officially opened by Alstom on 12th October as part of a public 150th anniversary celebration event incorporating railtours, exhibitions, and family activities highlighting the Scottish railway heritage.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Alstom marks 150 years of Glasgow rail depot with public open day
Photo: Alstom

Historic day for Glasgow Traincare Centre

The depot, or Polmadie Depot, is situated a mere two miles from Glasgow Central station. The depot presently accommodates the Caledonian Sleeper and Avanti West Coast fleets, comprising the Pendolino trains by Alstom. More than 100 staff work around the clock.

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Rob Whyte, UK and Ireland Managing Director, Alstom, said: “Polmadie is larger than a depot – it’s a symbol of engineering excellence and commitment to getting Britain on the move. We are pleased to open the doors and make the heritage accessible to the public.”

The station, originally opened in 1875 by the Caledonian Railway, has kept steam locos, diesel fleets, and modern passenger services. Hence, the anniversary represents both a heritage and a vision of the future of the sustainable transport.

Alstom presents railway heritage and innovation

Open day displays will include GB Railfreight’s locos, along with Scottish Railway Preservation Society, and Polmadie’s on-site Class 08 engines. Meanwhile, Caledonian Sleeper will showcase its new Mark 5 coaches, providing a preview of its in-train hotel services.

Graham Kelly, Interim Managing Director, Caledonian Sleeper, commented: “We are absolutely delighted that Caledonian Sleeper is part of this milestone event at Alstom’s Glasgow Traincare Centre. This centre has been central to railway activity for 150 years.”

Also, there is a unique charter service, “To the Birthplace and the Backbone,” that shall connect Alstom’s Derby Litchurch Lane Works and Glasgow. The passengers on the railtour shall travel on unusual depot track, linking two Railway 200 heritage sites.

The event will also feature a host of practical activities, railway simulation demonstrations, and family-friendly activities designed to inspire the leaders of tomorrow in Scottish railway. All profits will be donated to local charities, including The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.

Why is Alstom having an open day at Glasgow Traincare Centre?

Alstom celebrates 150 years at its Glasgow facility, highlighting its railway maintenance heritage and opening up heritage and innovation to the public.

What can visitors expect at Polmadie Depot?

Visitors will be able to witness historic and contemporary locomotives, Caledonian Sleeper train coaches, and new railway technology demonstrations. There will be family-friendly activities and simulation experiences as well.

How does the event connect more generally with Railway 200 celebrations?

The open day is part of global Railway 200 celebrations. The special charter train, which runs on a Derby-Glasgow route, shows the value that both innovation and heritage have in railway development.

Source: www.alstom.com

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