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And now in 2024 (maybe 2025-26 by the time it actually happens) they're likely to be coming back as an open access operator Considering how shit Avanti are by comparison, that seems like quite a good thing!
FERGUS THE RAILWAY TRACTION ENGINE: (BLOWS WHISTLE HAPPILY) ALLLLLLL ABOOOOOOAAAARD FOR BRAKE VAN RIDES WITH YOUR OWN OFFICIAL FAVORITE RAILWAY TRACTION ENGINE WHO ACTUALLY QUITE INSANELY CLEARLY PREFERS TO DO IT RIGHT!!!!
The very best thing about the privatised rail network was seeing an end to the attrocious virgin trains brand. The most appalling organisation at the best of times... It wasn't just that they couldn't quite get their head around the idea they were providing transport in return for money, but they constantly wanted to appear as if they were our friends with their inane signs and announcements. Think back to the signs in the toilets, for example. OK, telling people not to flush things down the toilet but then I have to wonder if it was children at vt that listed not flushing your mobile phone, your suitcase, your ex's old jumper... I mean seriously. Don't try to be funny if you aren't. Also never forget what this bearded cnut did to Shropshire and Wrexham... The alleged ambassador for free market business deliberately sabotaged a competitor. A terrible man. Best this self-appointed billionaire man of the people feck off to his private island and his Swiss tax arrangements and never show his grotty face here again. Oh and before anyone asks, no I am not jealous of his money. I say fair play to anyone who earns it. Just don't abuse it.
Another one of Branson's ventures finally gone bust. It's a pity I didn't get to experience riding on the Virgin branded trains and see what all the fuss was about.
its because they renew the franchise every so long (it’s basically like a contract) but from what ive heard stagecoach were disqualified (and virgin trains was joint virgin and stagecoach) and because of that avanti outbid them
Actually the new Avanti refurbished trains are a lot better. The Virgin design was terrible. It would be nice if they could actually run them reliably.
Virgin’s design wasn’t terrible they were simply in need of an refurbishment because the trains were from the 2000s. If Virgin won the franchise they would of refurbished the trains as well. Also Virgin were far more reliable than Avanti.
Without Harry Potter figures to stand around the stations, what's the point? When is Hornby going to produce figures to go with their Harry Potter line of buildings?
Nobody did it better or tried harder to improve our railways . Mission impossible was never seen as a drawback to Virgin Trains , who remain the brightest star in what is otherwise the mediocrity of the privatisation era .
Sir Billy Butlin was attempting to save Silver Link from scrapping in the 60s but his attempt was unsuccessful because the Eastern Region wasn’t interested in preserving it
Typical hornby. Remove the two arched sections and what you have is their standard starting platforms and canopy set. That is designed for two passing tracks. I have one on 2 of my layouts. I bought the train set without the track, controller etc second hand. The engine runs really well. 👍
