Alstom marked a significant milestone with the 150th anniversary of its historic Polmadie Depot in Glasgow, hosting its first public open day in 25 years. The event, called Polmadie 150, welcomed over a thousand visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the depot’s rich history and its role in Scotland’s railway legacy. The facility has long been a symbol of engineering excellence and remains a cornerstone of the region’s rail operations. For Alstom, this celebration is a way to honor the dedicated workforce and the technological innovations that continue to shape the future of sustainable rail.
Located just two miles southeast of Glasgow Central Station, the Glasgow Traincare Centre is a vital hub for Scotland’s rail network, maintaining key services such as the Caledonian Sleeper. The facility plays a critical role in the upkeep of iconic trains, including the Caledonian Sleeper and Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino fleet. Polmadie Depot operates around the clock, welcoming a fleet of 17 trains daily, all serviced by a team of over 100 staff. Rob Whyte, Managing Director for Alstom UK and Ireland, emphasized the significance of the depot, calling it not just a maintenance site, but a symbol of Scottish railway heritage.
Originally opened on 16th September 1875 by the Caledonian Railway Company, Polmadie Depot has undergone numerous expansions, evolving from steam engine maintenance to modern rail operations. To mark this milestone, the open day showcased a mix of heritage and modern trains that have passed through the depot over the years. Visitors could view over 20 different locomotives, including the Caledonian Railway No. 419 steam engine, one of the oldest preserved locomotives to have been based at Polmadie. The 1907-built locomotive, which has recently been repainted in LMS Crimson Lake livery, was a highlight of the exhibition.
A diverse collection of rail vehicles from various eras was displayed, including the Class 99, Class 92, and Class 73/9, alongside the Alstom-built Pendolino Class 390. These locomotives represent the evolution of rail technology and Alstom’s ongoing role in developing innovative, sustainable solutions for the UK’s rail industry. Special mention was made of the Mark 5 coaching stock from Caledonian Sleeper, which provided a “hotel on wheels” experience, linking Scotland with London since 1873. Alstom also offered a series of family-friendly, hands-on activities designed to inspire future generations of railway professionals.
In addition to the historic displays, the event featured a ride-on miniature railway and special appearances by the Railway 200 exhibition train, commemorating the bicentenary of the modern railway. The celebration continued with a unique passenger train journey that linked the Polmadie Depot with Alstom’s Derby facility, offering rail fans the chance to ride along rare tracks and enjoy a unique view of both locations. The train was driven by RailAdventure’s Class 43 locomotives, marking another significant moment in the history of Polmadie and Railway 200.
The festivities also included a naming ceremony for a locomotive to honor the depot’s anniversary. GB Railfreight’s Class 92 locomotive, No. 92023, was renamed Polmadie 150 1875 – 2025 in recognition of the depot’s legacy. The event culminated in a fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting two local charities, Beatson Cancer Charity and the Railway Children’s Glasgow Project. The day’s success was also enhanced by the support of Network Rail, which waived track access charges for the chartered train into the depot, further showcasing the spirit of collaboration within the rail industry.
As part of its commitment to preserving railway heritage and inspiring future talent, Alstom’s open day was a fitting tribute to the generations of workers who have contributed to Polmadie’s ongoing success. The event not only celebrated the depot’s illustrious past but also highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainability in the future of rail transport. With such a rich legacy and a forward-looking approach, Polmadie remains an integral part of Scotland’s railway history and its future.
