Hornby has marked Earth Day with a release highlighting climate action, sustainability and environmental education, drawing on a recent piece of modern railway history for its latest model inspiration.

Rail travel continues to be promoted as a lower-emission transport option, and was notably used by European leaders and delegates travelling to Glasgow in October 2021 for the UN COP26 climate conference.

After arriving in London, delegates continued north aboard an Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino, including unit 390121 in a 4-car formation.

That same set was later applied in a distinctive COP26 ‘Climate Train’ livery, designed to promote rail as an alternative to higher-emission air and road travel. The blue and green scheme featured leaf motifs and environmental slogans, reinforcing the sustainability message associated with the journey. The unit was subsequently named ‘Opportunity’ following an Avanti West Coast competition, which was won by 18-year-old Kyla Louise Poulton.

Avanti West Coast has continued to emphasise environmental initiatives, including energy-saving measures at stations, biodiversity projects, and investment in newer rolling stock to reduce reliance on diesel traction.

Hornby’s Earth Day release pays tribute to that narrative with an OO gauge model of ‘Opportunity’, offering Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino sets.

The 390121 4-car pack is designed to represent a shortened version of the Climate Train formation, reflecting its real-world appearance and role in recent railway and environmental history.