What we did

All change for the East Coast franchise

Client: Stagecoach Rail & Virgin Trains

Challenge:

• Rapid interim livery applied to 54 locomotives during launch week
• Surface preparation and refubishment prior to application – maximising finish and longevity
• Roll out of full wraps to 63 locomotives, 31 DVTs and 419 passenger carriages
• Exact colour matching to iconic Virgin red on highly resilient, warranted material

Project

• The East Coast mainline re-franchise provided Virgin Trains and Stagecoach with the opportunity to install a fresh new livery to match their fresh approach to customer service.
• Virgin required complete discretion and commitment to project schedule for this topsecret, time-critical project.
• In-service rebrand executed simultaneously across UK sites to minimise impact on customers.

Solution

• Stewart Signs developed a real-time progress tracker to communicate the live rebrand status and provide peace of mind for the client.
• Vital body-side corrosion repairs, cosmetic repainting and full wrap liveries applied to 45 11-car trains within 7 months.
• Manufacture and application of enough material to cover 7 football pitches, all to Virgin’s exacting brand standards and incorporating Stewart Signs exclusive Signshine for ease of maintenance and graffiti removal.