Fleet News ~ Virgin Trains East Coast

As reported, and earlier announced, Virgin East Coast have their fleet overhaul programme well underway. This post focusses on their progress of the 401 carriages they operate....

Virgin East Coast (C)
I'll highlight what Lewis stated: 'The £21 million refurbishment will include new seat covers, new carpets, curtains fitted and better on board signage. The work will be carried out at Bound Green depot in London and Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh.

We love the look of the new seats! They're smart, stylish and perfect colours (two-tone) to reflect the Virgin brand. Let's hope they're as comfy as they look! 

Known carriage numbers of refurbished stock:
42110 42159 41115

An added touch we like is some of the on-board signage. For example om the power sockets: "plug in and grab some juice for your mobile or laptop. No toasters or hairdryers please!" New Bean-to-cup coffee machines will be added to the café bar soon!

We also like the new toilet engaged signage, which uses the "Occupied" approach in VTEC font. We're awaiting to find out whether there's a voice announcement inside the toilets, like there is on Pretendolinos stating when the door is locked, and suggesting what NOT to flush.

The Virgin Trains East Coast fleet is due to be replaced from 2018 onwards with brand new, state of the art Hitachi Super Express units. VTEC plan to retain a fleet of 7 Class 91's after full Class 800/801 deployment for express London Kings Cross to Edinburgh services.

We'll get the Fleet List updated as soon as we can! Harry and Liam! 
Regards:

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