Titled trains 2017 UK

[FGW_DID]

With the Flying Scotsman, I was looking at the Wikipedia article and it says that 91101 and DVT 82205 were given Flying Scotsman livery. Do these vehicles always operate the Flying Scotsman named service (leaves Edingburgh at 05.40 for London; one way only)?

I like the idea of named train services (not locomotives/units) but (sadly) I don't think there are really so relevant today as lots of services do the same route; sticking the name onto one of them per day 'dilutes' the idea. Are these names actually referred to in real life when travelling them (either on the train or on monitors)?

I think that the Highland Chieftain name should be carried on the train as a headboard (because this is a once a day train that the concept of named services was designed for) (or does it already). I don't think that would be too difficult to organise and would bring back some of the 'glamour' and 'romance' of rail travel.

my bold Even in the days of steam, there were still lots of services doing the same route, there wasn't just one a day. It's not just a case of sticking the name on one per day, it's the same train every day.

Take for example GWR The Cornish Riviera:
The up CR is always the 08:44 Penzance to London Paddington
The down CR is always the 10:06 London Paddington to Penzance.

(GWR) Train names stated in the timetables, show on the info screens, used in PA announcements and I think they carry the name on the carriage window calling point stickers.

 

[Envoy]

I think that ‘The Capitals United’ is the fastest eastbound service of the day between Cardiff & London as it does not stop at Reading.

‘The Red Dragon’ is the only weekday service between Carmarthen & London.

Wonder why fewer named trains operate on the weekend on GWR?

Unfortunately, on ATW managed stations, the GWR named trains do not appear (with names) on the departure boards or get a mention in announcements. In days of old, it would be announced at Cardiff that ‘The Red Dragon’ has just passed Miskin and will arrive at xxx.

The named trains also had menus in emblazoned with the name of the train. The one for ‘The Red Dragon’ had a red dragon on the front and that of ‘The Pembroke Coast Express’ had items of Pembrokeshire seafood.

I sometimes wonder if todays TOC”s are missing a marketing trick regarding having such menus & name promotion today.

 

[MadCommuter]

Back in my youth I remember stickers placed in the windows of the opening doors, showing the train destination, calling points and title of the train, where applicable. Do this carry on today, I suspect not? (sorry for going slightly OT but the thread brought back memories).

 

[SpacePhoenix]

There was a mention on a TV program once about a (what is now VTEC) service being unofficially known as "The Porridge Express". I don't know if that still holds true though as the TV program must have been broadcast about 3-4 years ago

 

[DarloRich]

I worry this thread might degenerate into puffer buffers wibbling on abut their favorite titled express that ran from Little Snoddling to Trumpington on Sea until 1934 when it was cut back to Caistor. Anyway, I think having some titled trains could be a good marketing ploy for intercity TOC's as long as the trans can run to time and offer a true express service. I am not sure that is possible these days.

My understanding is that Chiltern have specifically named the one locohauled Oxford - Marylebone and return.

VTEC deleted "The Hull Executive" from the timetable a year or so ago.

same as Teesside - there are no executives to transport anymore

 

[berwicksfinest]

Back in my youth I remember stickers placed in the windows of the opening doors, showing the train destination, calling points and title of the train, where applicable. Do this carry on today, I suspect not? (sorry for going slightly OT but the thread brought back memories).

Yes !!! GWR are one of the few TOCs still to carry window labels abeit they are now carried in the coach window.
With likes of Pembroke Coast Express with puffin logo
Atlantic Coast Express with surfer logo
Cornish Riviera with St Michaels Mount logo

etc

Only other TOC is VTEC and I believe they only recognise Flying Scotsman, West Riding Limited and HIghland Chieftain