Virgin Trains: A Pictorial Tribute

In 1994, British Railways privatized and created passenger franchises, including the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and West Coast Main Line (WCML). Virgin Trains won the WCML franchise and improved service by introducing standard trainsets and criticizing Government policy. Fred Kerr's book illustrates the changes Virgin Trains initiated, including a startling livery, new trainsets, and establishing a new timetable. The operation of the WCML franchise identified problems with the franchise system, and the company lost the WCML franchise. Kerr's book explains Virgin Trains' history of involvement in train operations through photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

When British Railways (BR) underwent privatization in April 1994, a series of passenger franchises emerged, encompassing services on both the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and rival West Coast Main Line (WCML) routes. The WCML franchise was secured by Virgin Trains, which swiftly initiated improvements by introducing a fleet of standardized trainsets to replace the diverse traction fleets inherited. Furthermore, Virgin Trains became a vocal critic of government policies that promised much but delivered little, as the company grappled with establishing the service standards outlined in its franchise agreement. Despite its efforts, Virgin Trains encountered resistance from other industry bodies, hindering its ability to deliver on its promises.

Fred Kerr, residing in Southport due to its proximity to the WCML, authored a book that aims to chronicle the period of transformative changes initiated by Virgin Trains. These changes encompassed the immediate application of a striking livery, the introduction of new trainsets, and the challenges of establishing a new timetable to maximize the benefits of these new assets.

The operation of the WCML franchise revealed issues with both the nature and structure of the franchise system. A notable example was when Virgin Trains successfully secured the ECML franchise, only to relinquish it due to significant problems identified by the company. Subsequently, Virgin Trains lost the WCML franchise, effectively ending its involvement in train operations within the United Kingdom. Fred Kerr's book seeks to provide a comprehensive account of Virgin Trains' involvement in train operations by presenting a collection of photographs that showcase the traction fleet inherited and the new fleets introduced to service.

Dimension: 282 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526793317