Trenitalia c2c has commenced a major initiative to repaint its entire fleet of Class 357 train units, with the first revamped trains now in operation.
With approximately 35.8 million journeys made annually on c2c services, this project aims to enhance the lifespan and reliability of the 357 fleet while improving the overall customer experience and maintaining high service standards. The repainting is being conducted in partnership with rolling stock manufacturer Alstom at its Ilford depot, a recognized center of excellence employing over 120 personnel across various train classes.
The Class 357 fleet, introduced between 1998 and 2002, consists of 74 units. These trains, leased until 2029, operate on the c2c route alongside the more recently introduced Class 720 fleet, which entered service in 2023. Each Class 357 unit is undergoing a comprehensive external repaint to ensure continued performance and durability on the route.
The repainting process for each train takes approximately 20 days and involves removing exterior fittings, performing minor repairs and restoration, and applying multiple layers of eco-friendly paint. This waterborne hydro topcoat system, known for its low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, provides protection against rust and corrosion. The updated coating technology ensures the trains’ appearance and functionality match or exceed their original condition, preparing them for the second half of their operational lifecycle.
“We are delighted with the progress of the 357 repaint project. This initiative, led by our partners at Alstom, will not only extend the longevity of our fleet but also enhance the experience for our customers in the years ahead,” Jeff Baker, Head of Engineering at c2c, stated.
“We are very proud to contribute to this repaint project. The trains were originally built at our Litchurch Lane site in Derby and are now maintained at our East Ham depot. Alstom’s expertise with these units ensures we can deliver outstanding results. The 357 units are the backbone of the c2c fleet, and this repaint will support their continued service to millions of passengers each year,” Peter Keighron, Alstom’s Portfolio Director for Commuter Fleets, added.
The full project, expected to take 24 months to complete, has already seen its first revamped train (357207) reintroduced to service. The second unit (357005) is scheduled to re-enter service next week.
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