WFD Branch – Potential Outside Visit, 23rd September 2025 – Postponed to 29th October 2025 – Now CANCELLED
Wed 29th October @ 15:00 - 17:00
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Sadly, this visit has had to be cancelled, but we may try again at some time during 2026 – watch this space!
A visit has been organised to the Avanti West Coast Training Academy in Crewe for Wednesday 29th October 2025, from 15:00 to 17:00 hours, to see the facilities there. As well as the normal training spaces (office based) they also have driver training simulators. Also on site are two of the vehicles from Pendolino set 390 033, also used for training purposes. The driving power car and a trailer are from the set involved in the dreadful Grayrigg accident in February 2007.
The Academy is about ten minutes walk from Crewe station, and car parking may also be available. As far as I’m aware, there is no charge for the visit, though some sort of charitable donation may be appropriate. This would be on an individual basis rather than from the branch – as the RCTS is a charity it is unable to donate to another charity unless its aims are similar.
It is rather a long way to go for just a couple of hours, but the visit could, of course, be combined with an observation session on Crewe station or just a day out by train (unfortunately, the Crewe Heritage Centre is not open on a Wednesday).
It will be up to individuals to make their way to Crewe and book any accommodation if required. The visit is open to members of any branch.
The maximum number of attendees will be ten people and on a first come, first served basis, so if you fancy the idea, please get back to me ASAP! Preferred contact is by email to:
geoffplumb1949@gmail.com
Further details will be sent out nearer the day.
Address of the location is: Avanti West Coast Training Academy
Tatton House, Crewe Business Park, Westmere Dr, Crewe CW1 6ZD