LNER had decided to celebrate their InterCity 225 fleet and almost 40 years of powering along the East Coast Main Line with a 225 Day.
Across the years, the reliable fleet has carried generations of customers, clocking up millions of miles.
They have previously worked alongside InterCity 125 High Speed Train and have transported people all over to events, gatherings and holidays.
For 225 Day, LNER had named one of its Class 91 locomotives, 91106, ‘Swallow’. This special name is a nod to Intercity who used a swallow to represent their message.
The celebrations took place on the 22nd of May, where a service left Leeds at 12:45 and headed to London King’s Cross.
Special guests were invited from across the railway industry, where they could enjoy an onboard museum created by Tim Dunn.
Those invited included Paul Varley, who is an LNER Onboard Customer Experience Host from Leeds. He joined LNER in 1979, making him one of the longest-serving members of the LNER. He has also worked onboard the 225s since their introduction.
“These trains are so special to me, I feel like I was born on them. Together, we have shared a lifetime, and I have so many memories from being onboard them.One of my fondest recollections was regularly welcoming Sir Fred Trueman who used to travel all the time with us in our restaurant cars.
“I was here when these trains were introduced, and it was great being trained up on them. We knew
Speaking of his memories, Paul Varley
they were brilliant trains from the moment they were brought in. They are magnificent. A pleasure to
work on.”
Responses
Well done and excellent name. As usual were any members of the travelling customers invited? If not why not.
They are the ones of highest importance to the continuing/ongoing success of the finest railway company. Yes Directors & Senior Managers should have been on board. Yet another missed oppotunity to meet and get customer views. Is this 91 going to be “on show” for customers to see please?