The first ever electric train to run to Blackpool North entered the station on the night of May 14, on a test run ahead of the May timetable change (when electric operation is introduced at the station).
The Class 390 Pendolino electric multiple unit (390152) carried Network Rail engineers to check and inspect the new overhead line equipment on the route from Preston.
And to mark the occasion, Virgin West Coast created a sand model of the train on Blackpool beach, in anticipation of three additional round trips from Blackpool North to London Euston starting on May 21.
Virgin West Coast General Manager Michael Stewart said: “We’re really excited to have reached this landmark by welcoming our Pendolino train to Blackpool North. This will allow us to test the infrastructure, as we prepare to launch our new electric services to and from the resort.”
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Peter Kinsey - 16/05/2018 18:23
Very good.But what happens if there is a Cyber a tack on our power stations.Unless we have backup of diesel engines no trains.whatsoever yous P Kinsey
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Carl Ballantyne - 17/05/2018 00:37
If there's a cyber attack on our power stations I think we'd be more concerned about our lights, fridges, TV and broadband not working rather than the train network.
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AndrewJG8918 - 17/05/2018 20:18
Its good to see a Class 390 Pendolino that has reached Blackpool North under its own power since the overhead wires were installed and are live. Hopefully Virgin Trains will use the Class 390's on London Euston-Blackpool North via Preston. Aswell Northern Class 319's to operate on Blackpool North-Preston, Manchester Piccadilly/Victoria and Manchester Airport.
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AndrewJG8918 - 19/05/2018 10:04
Northern will soon start operating from Blackpool North with their Class 319’s and Class 331’s. And Transpennine Express will also operate to/from Blackpool North to Glasgow and Manchester. Whilst electrification to Blackpool South isn’t happening and local trains will be using the line.
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