Honor, who oversaw the project from conception to completion, comments on the fabric's design and construction: "Inspired by our Wired range, which subtly moves from one surface texture to another through a carefully constructed mix of pile heights and handles, Avanti West Coast created a design which incorporates their brand colors of Coalescent, Spark and Solway Breeze and gave the seats - and interior as whole - a stylish and contemporary new look. A truly modern twist on moquette, we love the subtle flash of orange which is accentuated by the combination of cut and uncut pile."
Installation
200 Years of Transport Textiles: Avanti West Coast Voyager fleet, 2020
As we approach our two hundred year anniversary in transport textiles, we're taking a look back at some of the most unique, exciting and innovative fabrics created by Camira throughout the decades.
The second in our series is the bespoke plush created for the Avanti West Coast Voyager fleet when taken over by Bombardier from Virgin in 2019. Nominated by Honor Clough, Area Business Manager, Rail UK & Western Europe, and now featured across all 20 Voyager trains, this striking fabric was a key element of the interior's brand-new look and feel.
"The fabric is a truly modern twist on moquette." Honor Clough, Camira
"The trains have a new lease of life." Adrian Bullock, Avanti
The £8.3 million investment was completed at Bombardier’s depot in Ilford, east London, and - alongside the new fabric design - included a revamped toilet area, the installation of energy efficient LEDs, new painting and vinyl wraps throughout the interior and the coating of door grab handles with an anti-microbial finish. Avanti West Coast Senior Project Manager, Adrian Bullock, commented on the fresh new look: “This investment has delivered a step change to the Voyager’s onboard environment. Our customers will really notice the difference. It’s given the trains a new lease of life, and they will continue to serve our customers for the next two years with great distinction.”
The 20 Voyagers operate over the non-electrified sections of the West Coast Main Line in addition to running from London to Scotland, via the West Midlands. They will remain in service until 2022 when Avanti West Coast will introduce a fleet of new Hitachi Class 805 and 807 trains.