Totally agree, being born in the early 1960s , I've grown up used to seeing yellow ends on British rolling stock. To me, new-build rolling stock without yellow ends just doesn't seem 'right'.I've always thought yellow ends just make a train British. It's an odd psychological thing- I've no real interest in any stock without yellow ends, as to me it just comes across as a bus/tram/foreign!
Totally totally illogical, but then there's no logic in rail enthusiasm!
I think you will find that Clan Line has all of the necessary reflectors and LED equipment for the headlight fitted into a standard Bulleid headlight so that externally the appearance of the locomotive is maintained whilst achieving the necessary group standard.
Illogical perhaps, but I reckon there are a fair few of us who would agree! Non yellow fronts certainly make me think of metro/tram/coaching stock. The total opposite of intercity trains.I've always thought yellow ends just make a train British. It's an odd psychological thing- I've no real interest in any stock without yellow ends, as to me it just comes across as a bus/tram/foreign!
Totally totally illogical, but then there's no logic in rail enthusiasm!
I still think of "British train front" as a yellow filled upside down U shape, black upside down U shape corridor connector, and two scrolling number reels.
I doubt that. It would take a very long time to repaint every national rail train in the country, and would likely cause confusion for passengers who are so used to the split operators. I think they'll keep the liveries and split it into regions, for example "GBR South West", "GBR Southern", "GBR North"
Or they could just put the double-arrow symbol on everything GBR and leave it at that.
Yes that's a possibility too. Just leave it as it is, simplify ticketing but leave the liveries the same, spend that time on improving the actual service
How long after 1948 did it take for the Big Four liveries to disappear?
If the Yellow fronts were a safety matter (and full yellow more so than small yellow panels;or 'wasp stripes?)) is/was there evidence demonstrating improved safety? A small price to pay for trackworker safety.
They did for a few months:
That is, I understand, a UIC requirement. However, most designers of liveries for British TOCs seem to think they know better, to the bemusement of intending passengers, who are expected to know each TOC's own code.
Interesting, as didn't this originate with a British company (GER maybe)?
Sure but it's quite a different scene these days. There are lots more different types of rolling stock, all require the livery to be designed for them. There's also a mix of full vinyl livery, half vinyls and majority paint liveries. I really don't think they'd want to go to all that trouble for it to not really return much benefit
On good straight track I can see a yellow front at well over a couple of miles
I think tghe main difference would be how long a vehicle goes between overhauls or whatever else triggers repainting. In the 1960s and 1970s I think visits to Works were more frequent and thus it would take less time to repaint the entire fleet.
As the Famous saying goes: "If it ain't broken, don't fix it". Liveries and branding/Logos aren't really the issue, and you can have a Nationalised Railway Operation that takes on the same distinct regional and local Branding as they did in Privatisation.
Why? Because it creates a confusing mess. Some livery variation is fine, but I suspect we will end up with as another poster suggested , just slapping a logo on everything in a small corner by the door and that will be the re brand. The current ugly mish mash will continue. Good for enthusiasts perhaps, less so for creating the sense of a joined up , smart and efficient rail system.
Agreed, Blue and Blue & Grey were very simple and effective.
What is confusing about different liveries?!
I disagree. When on the platform, the lights are visible well before the front end custard.
I agree with your second paragraph, these high density headlights are a menace frankly, especially if you accidentally look directly at them . Very dazzling. There have been several things put out ensuring drivers use dimmed lights after dark. As you say, it's also far harder to judge distance from an overly bright light compared with a yellow front and slightly less bright light.
There isn't much sign of conformity to a common brand on the state-owned railways on the continent.
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