Avanti’s new London to Glasgow record breaking attempt expected to take place on 7 May

Insiders at Avanti West Coast have told Chime Whistle Publishing that another attempt at breaking the London Euston to Glasgow record is expected to take place on 7 May – in a bid to smash the 3 hours 52 minutes and 40 seconds run by the APT in 1984.

Picture of Aventi West Coast Pendolinos passing at Crewe: https://flic.kr/p/2qVCqFo

The last attempt by Avanti, in June 2021, missed beating the record by just 21 seconds. This was in part due to a speed restriction near Carstairs, that was lifted the following year. A naming ceremony just prior to departure saw Pendolino 390044 named “Royal Scott” and run with the headcode of 1Z57 – the headcode for The Royal Scot being 1S57.

In September 2006, Virgin Trains completed a Glasgow to London Euston run in 3 hours 55 minutes and 27 seconds – a record that has yet to be surpassed. Such runs are crewed by a Preston based driver, as Preston is the only Avanti depot where drivers have route knowledge along the whole 401 miles.

Avanti was approached for a comment, but has yet to respond.

Picture of driver Russell Southworth, having just arrived at London Euston. https://flic.kr/p/2qJFxFn

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