Looking impressive in its stylish new black livery, 180101 speeds past Thorpe Grange with the 1A61 09:18 Sunderland to Kings Cross Grand Central service on 17 June 2010. After a delayed introduction into service and protracted problems when in use by their initial operator, First Great Western, the Class 180s seemed to have turned from unwanted embarrassment to the units that all aspiring operators want. In addition to Grand Central, First Hull Trains and Northern Rail acquired the units, with other operators eying them up.