Naming Update

One of Southeastern’s recently transferred Class 707 City Beam EMUS was named on January 31 in memory of James Brokenshire MP, who represented Old Bexley and Sidcup until his death at the age of 53 from lung cancer last October.

The vinyl Remembering Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP Old Bexley and Sidcup name was unveiled during a short ceremony at Cannon Street station, with members of Mr Brokenshire’s family in attendance, along with former colleagues including Rail Minister Wendy Morton MP, and Southeastern managing director Steve White. Mr White said: “We are proud to mark the positive contribution made by James Brokenshire over many years, representing thousands of people in the Bexley and Sidcup constituency.

“He was dedicated to working with us and was our biggest advocate in campaigning for new trains and improved train services on the Southeastern network. In 2019 James was one of the MPS on our network who made representations to the Secretary of State to secure new rolling stock, and now customers will be reminded of the contribution James made when they see this modern train arriving at their station. We have named our new City Beam unit, 707005, in his honour – selecting this particular train to reflect the year he was first elected to represent the constituency of Hornchurch in 2005.” Another of Great Western Railway’s ‘Castle’ HST power cars was named without ceremony at Laira, when 43016 was fitted with Powderham Castle nameplates. As with the other ‘Castle’ names, the stylish cast nameplates also feature an illustration of the castle after which it has been named.

The West Midlands Railway Class 323 EMUS are beginning to receive vinyl nameplates, with five members of the fleet gaining them in early February. The names feature locations on WMR’S Cross City Line and are printed with silver lettering on a red background, along with Cross City Line and Class 323 branding. The units also feature Soho LMD and Cross City Line Diamond vinyl plaques similar in style to the cast depot plaques introduced to freight locomotives in 1987 when BR amended its Railfreight livery.

It is understood that further Class 323 units will be named over the coming weeks.

Southeastern Andy Walters RIGHT: Following the naming of Southeastern’s 707005 Remembering Rt Hon James Brokenshire MP Old Bexley and Sidcup, Rail Minister Wendy Morton, Mr Brokenshire’s widow, Cathy Brokenshire, and Southeastern managing director Steve White stand alongside the City Beam EMU at Cannon Street on January 31. ABOVE: The Alvechurch vinyl name and Soho depot plaque carried by 323242, pictured on February 14. This was one of five Class 323s to be named in February, with more expected to follow over the coming weeks.