Revolution makes “Poppylino” payout…

Revolution Trains marked Armed Forces Day 2019 by making a donation of £1810 to the Royal British Legion.

The cash was raised through crowdfunded sales of N gauge models of Virgin's 390103 Virgin Hero in poppy livery produced by Rapido Trains.

The cheque was handed over by Corporal Gareth Atkinson, of the Mercian Regiment, who had provided a vital liaison between Revolution and the RBL.

Virgin Pendolino 390103 was named "Virgin Hero" in 2014 to mark the centenary of the outbreak of WW1, and carried the Royal British Legion Poppy logo together with the wording "We Will Remember Them" across the nose.

Mike Hale, director of Revolution Trains, said: "We are very grateful to all our crowdfunding supporters who purchased this model and enabled us to help such a worthy cause."

Accepting the donation on behalf of TRBL at their central London headquarters, Ryan Allain, London Area Manager, said: "Thank you to Gareth and Revolution Trains, and Ben and Mike specifically, for supporting the Royal British Legion and raising valuable funds that will allow us to provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families."

Corporal Gareth Atkinson added: "As a serving soldier and N-gauge enthusiast, I was right behind the Pendolino project from the start, and was delighted to see 'Virgin Hero' produced as a model."

Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, Revolution Trains and Rapido produced more than 1000 N gauge 1:148 scale models of Virgin's popular Class 390 Pendolino units, in both 9-car and 11-car configurations. A shorter 5-car set was also offered.

181 'Virgin Hero' sets were produced, each generating a donation of £10 to the Royal British Legion.

Revolution and Rapido are proposing further Virgin Pendolino models, in the attractive new "Flowing Silk" livery, for 2020.

Revolution/Rapido Trains model of 390103 Virgin Hero in N gauge featuring RBL branding and “We Will Remember Them” lettering across the nose.