VIRGIN TRAINS new West Coast Pendolino tilting train has passed with flying colours a test run on the Carlisle to Tebay main line achieving a speed of 138mph. With its tilt mechanism fully operational the speed was achieved on a section of the line where the Advanced Passenger Train (APT) is restricted to 125 mph. The new trains are expected to start entering service in the New Year when they will be limited to 110 mph non-tilt. It is planned to start the complex evolution to 125 mph from the autumn of next year. The train has the potential to reach speeds as high as 160mph.
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