Naming Update
FIVE LOCOMOTIVES have received names during the period under review up to the middle of November.
The first was Direct Rail Services (DRS) Class 68, 68033, which was named The Poppy in a ceremony held at London Euston station on October 30. Above the new nameplate is a poppy emblem, in recognition of the annual fundraising initiative by the Royal British Legion, which is marking its centenary year.
DRS’ parent company, Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS), has recently received the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour available, for its support of people who serve, veterans, and their families. DRS has made six 00-gauge models of 68033 available for auction, and the headboard carried by 68006 is also being auctioned to raise money for the Royal British Legion through a sealed bidding system.
NTS CEO Seth Kybird said: “We are hugely proud of all of our former services colleagues, and the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring to NTS.
“Everyone feels passionately about supporting our Armed Forces and helping to raise vital funds for such a fantastic charity as the Royal British Legion.
“Many of my colleagues take time off to volunteer for the appeal and ensure we remember the sacrifices made for the freedoms we all enjoy.”
DRS driver David Poynter said: “I am really proud of everyone who’s worked to get this locomotive named. “It means a lot to me, just to say thank you to everyone who serves and has served over the years.
“It’s a great privilege to be the first person the drive The Poppy and I hope it will keep the message of Remembrance Day in people’s minds long after November 11.”
Three of the country’s leading freight companies named locomotives from their fleets at PD Stirling’s Mossend International Multi-modal Railfreight Yard in connection with the COP26 Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow during November. All three namings were part of a three-day event, Low Carbon Logistics, which aimed to raise the profile and awareness of low-carbon transition in the rail and road freight sectors. Firstly, GB Railfreight named 92020 Billy Stirling on November 8. As the third generation of the 151-year-old family-owned operator, Peter D. Stirling Limited, Billy Stirling introduced rail into the company. Following this success, the Peter D. Stirling operation moved to Mossend Railhead in 1981. The naming was part of the ‘Let’s Talk about Rail Freight’ day at the Low Carbon Logistics event, developed to support the UK and Scottish Governments’ vision for a zero-carbon supply chain at COP26.
It was unveiled by Billy Stirling’s daughter, Julie Corr.
Managing director of Peter D. Stirling Limited, David Stirling, said: “The whole Stirling family is very pleased that our father Billy Stirling’s hard work in building up the business has been recognised in such a magnificent way.
“His name is now attached to one of the strongest and greenest electric freight locomotives around – something he would have been very proud of.”
The next day, DB Cargo unveiled the name The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport on ‘I am the backbone of the economy’-liveried 90039 Vice president of the CILT (UK), Leon Daniels, and director of rail for Transport Scotland, Bill Reeve, carried out the naming, which was also part of the Low Carbon Logistics event.
Chief executive of CILT, Kevin Richardson, said: “The route to net-zero emissions is a key area of focus for CILT across all sectors within the profession, and rail freight is one viable option to deliver this.
“Moving freight transport from road to rail using electric locomotives delivers significant benefits in terms of cost, congestion, efficiency and reduced emissions. We are delighted that DB Cargo has offered the institute the opportunity to have its own electric locomotive named The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
“It is significant that this the unveiling takes place during COP26.”
The third and final naming at the Low Carbon Logistics event featured the Direct Rail Services re-liveried 68006, which has lost its former Daring name in favour of a new one, Pride of the North. This has been applied on small nameplates incorporated into the new vinyl design carried by the locomotive. DRS says it has been named in tribute to the company’s work in Scotland and northern England.
68006 is one of a growing number of freight locomotives to be operated using hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO), rather than conventional diesel fuel.
The final naming came on November 14, when the Locomotive Services Class 37, D6851 (37667), emerged bearing the name Flopsie, with cast nameplates applied to the bodyside. The first working carrying its new nameplates was at the head of a private charter from Crewe to Oxford, which also featured LSL’S other BR green-liveried Class 37, D6817 (37521).