A rail enthusiast has called for the revival of naming British trains, a tradition that once saw services like the Brighton Belle and Royal Scot become household names. Jeff Dickinson of Clitheroe, writing in Today's Railways magazine, suggests that with Great British Railways (GBR) set to take over most of the nation's train operations, naming trains could enhance their public image from the start.
The Brighton Belle, launched in 1933, was a premium first- and third-class only train that ran non-stop between London Victoria and Brighton in an hour. Today's successors, which pause twice, are only slightly quicker. The Royal Scot was a prestigious express between London Euston and Glasgow Central. Naming trains, Dickinson notes, was a common marketing tool for fast or long services.
Great Western Railway (GWR) already maintains the tradition with names like The Golden Hind, The Red Dragon, Cheltenham Spa Express, and The Bristolian. A GWR spokesperson said these are historic named services and part of the fabric of the company. The Golden Hind runs from Penzance to London Paddington in under five hours, the fastest of the day.
Other operators have missed opportunities. Avanti West Coast's 7am Manchester to London express, the only train under two hours, could be named The Mancunian or United City. LNER's Friday 9.52am Aberdeen to London train, alcohol-free until Newcastle, could be dubbed the Dee-Tyne Detox. Naming trains costs little and could boost public image if used sparingly for distinctive services.
