London North Eastern Railway is celebrating its 100-year anniversary by naming its first Azuma Train. It also carries a special livery celebrating the Azuma Fleet's services on the East Coast route, keeping people on the move between London, Yorkshire, the North East of England and Scotland.
The train has been named ‘Century' in celebration of the rail operator's impressive anniversary, which saw its first operations get underway in 1923. The reveal of the special livery took place at York Railway station today (15th of May).
London North Eastern Railway colleagues chose the name ‘Century' after a special train naming panel was formed in order to truly capture the sentiment and price of the rail operator's historic past while representing its innovative approach in the present and ambitious aims for the future.
The operator has operated a legendary service keeping both the English and Scottish capital cities connected. To this day, the East Coast Main Line is a popular and busy route offering an array of destinations and stunning scenery along the route. The last 100 years have seen a number of iconic trains operate the service including ‘Flying Scotsman', ‘Mallard' and ‘Sir Nigel Gresley'.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said:“It's a truly special moment for everyone at LNER to be unveiling the first named Azuma on the fourth anniversary of our Azuma trains first entering into passenger service.”
“Century' recognises the successes and iconic moments of our proud past which have defined who we are today, as well as looking forward to the innovation and technology which will see us through 100 more years of taking people on exciting journeys on the East Coast route. The livery perfectly depicts our story to date and we can't wait to see customers enjoying it out on the route.”
The special livery sees London North Eastern Railway colleagues, past and present, featured on a photographic timeline covering 100 years. The livery also features Joe Duddington, who drove Mallard at record-breaking speeds. The livery also features other iconic locomotives which have operated the service and well-loved destinations.
The Azuma was driven by one of the rail operator's newly qualified drivers, Jordan Cochrane. The naming event saw the train get a special welcome in the form of a rousing trumpet fanfare on its arrival into York.
Tim Dunn, Rail Historian and presenter of The Architecture the Railways Built said:“The LNER brand has had a colourful and pioneering history – ever since it appeared in 1923. One hundred years later, this moment brings it all together perfectly!”
“The introduction of ‘Century' means many more people have on the East Coast Main Line will be inspired to learn more about LNER's impact on rail travel in the UK. The brand is associated with some extraordinary moments, such as Mallard's speed record run; and the introduction of the latest fleet – the Azumas. These moments have helped define the railway's identity in the UK and I am sure LNER will be known for them for generations to come.”
Carolyn Sheard, LNER Customer Experience Leader who features within the livery, said:“I am so proud to be featured on the ‘Century' livery–I love my job and really enjoy working for the company so it's an honour to be involved in the celebrations this year.”
‘Century' will be in operation permanently on the East Coast Mainline.
LNER should still introduce new services especially Scarborough, Hartlepool, Whitby and Redcar.