Avanti West Coast to challenge West Coast Main Line journey record as part of Railway 200

Avanti West Coast will attempt to break the long-standing record between London and Glasgow as part of Railway 200.

The record of 3 hours 52 minutes and 40 seconds was set by the Advanced Passenger Train back in 1984. However, it was allowed to travel at speeds in excess of the current speed limit of 125mph.

The record attempt was announced at the launch event for Alstom’s Great Gathering event, which will take place in August this year.

Andy Mellors, MD for Avanti West Coast said: “I can reveal that working with our industry partners we are going to be running a train from London to Glasgow with the intention of breaking the forty-year-old record set by the Advanced Passenger Train”

A previous attempt at the record happened on June 17, 2021, when Pendolino 390044 fell short by just 21 seconds. The average speed on that occasion was 103mph for the 400-mile journey.

It’s also been revealed that the train earmarked for the attempt will be 390016, which has only nine cars and an excellent acceleration profile. It’s been specially renamed ‘Railway 200’ ahead of the event, and renumbered to 390200.

Mellors added: “What better way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the railways with a record attempt.” It’s expected that passengers on the train will consist of 200 invited guests.

Although no date has been set for the record-breaking run, it’s thought most likely that it will happen sometime in the spring. The attempt at the record is just one of scores of Railway 200 events being staged around the UK and across the world.