Wigan Album

It was known as the APT Advanced Passenger Train.

The loco at the front of this train is one of the two power cars from the original HST numbered initially as 41 001/41 002 then as HST set 252 001 and finally power cars 43000 / 43001. The set was taken out of normal service in 1976 following which they entered service as part of the test programme for the then new Advanced Passenger Train. This picture shows a test train, the two vehicles at the centre are the APT power cars. The APT eventually entered service on 7 December 1981. It wasn't a great success and was withdrawn from service around 1986(?). We now have Virgin Pendalinos which are very similar to the APTs, ie they are electric and tilt as they go around corners to improve passenger comfort. Unfortunately they are made in Italy rather than in Britain.

Thanks Dave... as I said I don't really know much about the railways, but it was an interesting picture because it was at Wigan NW station.