Four years to the day since the beginning of Avanti West Coast's operations on the WCML, and I once again find myself at Glasgow Central for a trip involving Voyagers. This time however, it is on the last Avanti Voyager service at the station, with 221107 and 221112 operating the final ever 9S77 and 1M20 diagrammed for 221s.
Originally, I was supposed to travel on both services between Crewe and Glasgow, but as the return journey was cancelled from Preston onwards, we instead see the units depart Central for the final time, in a very similar setting to the final Virgin services. All calling points and other interesting events, despite most being in the dark or unfocussed, are included on the northbound journey. You will also see two photos at the end, one of the first Voyager I ever travelled on, the one that started my interest in the railways, just after arriving at Glasgow, and one of 221107 in the adjacent platform from a few days ago.
Over eleven years for me, and over two decades since their introduction, the 221s have powered up and down the entire West Coast Mainline, through some of the most amazing scenery, carrying millions of passengers on some of the most comfortable journeys. As their services are wound down over the coming months I will be uploading several videos of archive footage in yet another 'Farewell' series. Until then, let's make the most of them.
21 окт 2024
