Virgin Trains: From HST to Pendolino

John Balmforth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0711036489 ISBN 13: 9780711036482

Publisher: Ian Allan, 2012

John Balmforth provides readers with a look at the history of Virgin Trains as they celebrate 15 years of service. Emerging from the franchising process in the 1990s, Virgin Trains, although branded as a single entity, was in fact the product of two distinct franchises: the West Coast Main Line and InterCity Cross-Country. The two franchises were, to a considerable extent, amongst the most difficult on offer - the former as a result of its ageing infrastructure and rolling stock and the latter due to the convoluted route network over which it operated - and in its early years of operation Virgin Trains suffered significant adverse comment. However, as the WCML modernisation scheme was gradually completed and as the new high-speed Voyager and Pendelino units came into service, so the performance of the franchises improved as did the company's reputation. However, come franchise renewal, the Cross-Country franchise was modified and reallocated to Arriva, leaving Virgin Trains to continue operating the West Coast franchise. This album will mark the 15th anniversary of Virgin Trains and will be packed with colour illustrations portraying the evolution of Virgin Trains operations over the period from 1997 to 2012.

About the Author:

John Balmforth is a retired railwayman who is dedicated to carrying out work in the voluntary sector. Since retiring from British Rail his work at the Rail Passengers Committee for the Midlands he has continued his lifelong interest in public transport and is the author of three previous books published by Ian Allan. John's author's royalties from all three books have been donated to charity and the chosen beneficiary for receipt of his royalties from his latest book will be The Railway Children charity.