Alstom gets the thumbs up

ALSTOM, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has welcomed the first-ever passenger service to its Widnes modernisation facility.

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On Saturday, September 6, a UK Railtours charter - The Industria Ditat - visited the 13,000 m² Alstom Transport Technology Centre as it traversed rare track across the British network on its journey between Hertfordshire and North Wales.

The Latin phrase 'Industria Ditat' translates as 'Industry Enriches' and is the motto of the town of Widnes.

Topped and tailed by GB Railfreight locomotives 57303 and 60087, the train arrived as 1Z15 at Widnes at around 10:30am.

It was welcomed by Mark McGrath and Tony Whitehead from Alstom's Central Operations team, who were on hand to ensure its safe arrival and stay.

The train entered the facility onto the arrival/departure line, parking behind a newly refurbished unit that was awaiting departure later in the day.

The train remained on site for almost an hour, allowing the enthusiastic passengers on board a chance to observe and capture rare footage of a facility most have never had access to before. 1Z15 then left the site through Ditton Sidings to Ditton East Junction.

Opened in 2017, Alstom's Widnes facility is the UK's largest and most sophisticated centre for train modernisation.

Its vast size and close embrace of digital principles, makes it ideal for work on both intercity and commuter trains.