Avanti West Coast Aims to Break London-Glasgow Speed Record for Railway 200

Avanti West Coast is preparing for a historic attempt to set a new London-Glasgow speed record. This event is part of the Railway 200 celebrations, marking two centuries of railway progress. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Avanti West Coast Prepares for Record-Breaking Journey

Avanti West Coast aims to challenge the long-standing 3-hour, 52-minute, and 40-second record. This time was set in 1984 by the Advanced Passenger Train, which exceeded today’s speed limits.

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The attempt will strictly follow the current 125mph speed restriction while pushing the train’s maximum efficiency. The company hopes to establish a new milestone within modern railway regulations.

Alstom’s Great Gathering event, scheduled for August, provided the stage for this exciting announcement. Railway enthusiasts and professionals will witness a remarkable moment in high-speed rail history.

Avanti West Coast’s managing director, Andy Mellors, shared his enthusiasm for this ambitious challenge. He highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in making this record-breaking journey possible.

Railway 200 and the Avanti West Coast Speed Challenge

A previous attempt in 2021, using Pendolino 390044, missed the record by just 21 seconds. That train achieved an impressive average speed of 103mph over the 400-mile route.

This time, Avanti West Coast has selected train 390016 due to its rapid acceleration profile. It has been officially renamed ‘Railway 200’ and renumbered to 390200 for the event.

Mellors emphasized that attempting the record is the perfect way to celebrate the railway’s bicentennial. The event will engage railway professionals, enthusiasts, and industry leaders in this historic experience.

A total of 200 invited passengers will be onboard, adding prestige to the special journey. Their presence will further enhance the commemorative nature of the Railway 200 celebration.

Although the exact date remains unconfirmed, experts speculate that spring is the most likely timeframe. This record-breaking run will be among many global events marking 200 years of railway history.

Beyond the UK, international celebrations will highlight the railway’s impact on transportation and technological advancements. This milestone underscores the evolution of rail travel and its significance in modern mobility.

Source, photo: www.railmagazine.com

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