Trains for climate change on Earth Day

On Wednesday 22 April, Earth Day returns for its 56th year, bringing people around the world together to highlight climate action, sustainability and environmental education.

Rail travel has long been recognised as one of the more sustainable ways to get around, so it is no surprise that the railway has played its part in championing greener travel. One striking example came in 2021, when a specially liveried Avanti West Coast Pendolino helped carry delegates north for the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

The COP26 Climate Train

In October 2021, European leaders and delegates travelled by rail to Glasgow for the United Nations climate conference.

After arriving in London, delegates continued north on an Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino, specially wrapped for the occasion. The train’s bold livery was designed to promote a proactive approach to sustainability, while also drawing attention to rail as a lower-emission alternative to air and road travel.

With its sweeping lines and unmistakable profile, the Pendolino already stands out as one of the most recognisable trains on the modern railway. In COP26 livery, it became even more distinctive.

A striking modern livery

The Climate Train design used bright blue and green tones, layered with leaf motifs and environmental slogans to create a unique finish with a clear message of activism.

It also had real visual appeal. For model railway enthusiasts, it was an interesting combination. It was a train with a story behind it, with a finish that stands out on a layout or in a display cabinet.

The livery was later named Opportunity, following a competition run by Avanti West Coast. The winning name was chosen by 18-year-old Kyla Louise Poulton.

Rail and sustainability

The Climate Train also reflected a wider point about the role rail can play in a more sustainable future. Choosing the train instead of flying or driving can make a real difference, particularly on busy intercity routes.

Avanti West Coast has also highlighted its own environmental ambitions, including energy-saving improvements at stations, support for biodiversity projects, and investment in trains that can help reduce reliance on older diesel traction.

For many railway enthusiasts, that is part of what makes the prototype so interesting. The railway is not just part of transport history. It is these sustainability initiatives that make it a big part of the future.

The Hornby Avanti West Coast Class 390

Celebrate Earth Day with the Hornby tribute to “Opportunity”. These OO gauge models have been popular amongst enthusiasts.

Start with the Avanti West Coast Class 390 390121 4 Car Train Pack (COP26 Livery), which can run on its own as a shortened version of the Climate Train if you have a smaller layout.

If you want to build the full train, add Coach Packs 1, 2 and 3.

Mark Earth Day with a modern railway icon

Earth Day is a chance to reflect on the ways transport can evolve, and the COP26 Climate Train was a memorable example of the railway carrying that message.

With its distinctive livery and strong real-world story, “Opportunity” is a fascinating piece of modern railway history, and a standout addition to any contemporary OO gauge collection.

If you want to know how else you can show your support for Earth Day, or learn more about the important initiatives it represents, visit the website.