Great British Railways livery: Alternative suggestions/variations

[Callum450]

Using my photoshop skills I’ve applied my redesign of the GBR livery on a Class 387.

I have also decided to add a white stripe on the side of the train (which is red on the doors) similar to the likes of South West Trains and GWR.

It doesn’t really serve any actual purpose but I just think it looks nice and makes the intermediate coaches look a little less “boring”.

(Original image by Joshua Brown)

 

[Leyland Bus]

Using my photoshop skills I’ve applied my redesign of the GBR livery on a Class 387.

I have also decided to add a white stripe on the side of the train (which is red on the doors) similar to the likes of South West Trains and GWR.

It doesn’t really serve any actual purpose but I just think it looks nice and makes the intermediate coaches look a little less “boring”.

(Original image by Joshua Brown)

Far nicer! That's a cracking effort!

 

[britishrail375]

For this, I am counting locos as per their typical full length, including Driving trailer and locomotive.

TOC	Units with odd number of carriages	Units with even number of carriages	Percentage odd (rounded to 1dp)
EMR	33 810 (5) I have ignored 222s since there would be overlap with 810s as they leave/enter service 16 170 (3)	26 158 (2) 21 360 (4) 26 170 (2)	49/122 = 40.2%
Total	1067	1558	1067/2625 = 40.6%

Small correction for the EMR row, you've included the 16 3-car 170s in the even column and the 26 2-car 170s in the odd column. If we swap them around to put them in the right columns, EMR instead have 49/122 trains with odd numbers of carriages, or 40.2%. This also alters the bottom total row, so we subtract 10 from the odd column to compensate for the previous error in the EMR row. This gives 1067/2625 for fraction odd, or 40.6% odd. I've quoted your original message and edited the EMR and total rows to correct the figures (corrections in bold), with the other correct rows not quoted so the table doesn't unnecessarily fill the entire screen.

 

[Andyh82]

For the ‘intercity’ livery, I’d swap the blue and white around, so it’s a mostly white train, and make the diagonal blocks more curvy to match the sleeker nose that both 800s and 390s have.

Alternatively maybe just take the LNER livery and add some blue to it, maybe the red pattern that goes across the window line, could be red and blue instead

 

[pr1]

Forgive me, but re:naming, would that suggest GBR|TransPennine or more likely |Northern |NorthEast etc? It's difficult because "trans-Pennine" can be both description and brand!

 

[SomeTrainboy]

Personally, I would remove the blue that goes all along the side of the body and replace it with the "sub-sector" that unit serves, like old BR(S) green for that new 387. Basically take inspiration from American "heritage" liveries where the new corporate livery changes for the older one, GBR livery changes for a recognisable one.

(includes mock 387 and a CSX from which i drew inspiration)

 

[Andyh82]

Forgive me, but re:naming, would that suggest GBR|TransPennine or more likely |Northern |NorthEast etc? It's difficult because "trans-Pennine" can be both description and brand!

That’s a good point because the DfT need reminding despite wanting everything the same, ‘Transpennine Express’ as a brand existed before privatisation.

 

[Mr. SW]

Using my photoshop skills I’ve applied my redesign of the GBR livery on a Class 387.

I have also decided to add a white stripe on the side of the train (which is red on the doors) similar to the likes of South West Trains and GWR.

It doesn’t really serve any actual purpose but I just think it looks nice and makes the intermediate coaches look a little less “boring”.

(Original image by Joshua Brown)

Nice. Suggestion: Try it without the thin bodyside stripe and replace "Great British Railways" with plain "Southern".

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Small correction for the EMR row, you've included the 16 3-car 170s in the even column and the 26 2-car 170s in the odd column. If we swap them around to put them in the right columns, EMR instead have 49/122 trains with odd numbers of carriages, or 40.2%. This also alters the bottom total row, so we subtract 10 from the odd column to compensate for the previous error in the EMR row. This gives 1067/2625 for fraction odd, or 40.6% odd. I've quoted your original message and edited the EMR and total rows to correct the figures (corrections in bold), with the other correct rows not quoted so the table doesn't unnecessarily fill the entire screen.

Thanks, I've corrected the original post.

 

[43096]

Personally, I would remove the blue that goes all along the side of the body and replace it with the "sub-sector" that unit serves, like old BR(S) green for that new 387. Basically take inspiration from American "heritage" liveries where the new corporate livery changes for the older one, GBR livery changes for a recognisable one.
View attachment 204656
(includes mock 387 and a CSX from which i drew inspiration)

Even more hideous than what they have done. Just an absolute mess of random colours. The whole point of this is getting a national identity for the railway.

 

[David M]

Nice. Suggestion: Try it without the thin bodyside stripe and replace "Great British Railways" with plain "Southern".

Would look good. Much better than the one the DfT have gone for.

 

[Zomboid]

Personally, I would remove the blue that goes all along the side of the body and replace it with the "sub-sector" that unit serves, like old BR(S) green for that new 387. Basically take inspiration from American "heritage" liveries where the new corporate livery changes for the older one, GBR livery changes for a recognisable one.
View attachment 204656

(includes mock 387 and a CSX from which i drew inspiration)

CSX really don't do heritage properly, not painting the cabs. NS and UP do it much more whole heartedly.

I do quite like your idea for the GBR scheme though - I'd probably have a base white/ light grey on the carriage sides with a coloured window band for the sub sectors - and green doesn't really fit with the red & blue, but there would be plenty of colours which would.

 

[Sorcerer]

Using my photoshop skills I’ve applied my redesign of the GBR livery on a Class 387.

I have also decided to add a white stripe on the side of the train (which is red on the doors) similar to the likes of South West Trains and GWR.

It doesn’t really serve any actual purpose but I just think it looks nice and makes the intermediate coaches look a little less “boring”.

(Original image by Joshua Brown)

Considerably better already. Makes use of the flag in a more subtle way while still being clearly flag-derived (as was the intention). I also feel like the black window bands just make sense and invoke a more premium feel compared to the low-cost style like Lumo or Ouigo.

For the ‘intercity’ livery, I’d swap the blue and white around, so it’s a mostly white train, and make the diagonal blocks more curvy to match the sleeker nose that both 800s and 390s have.

The South West Trains approach of differentiating by service type would've worked well in my opinion. It didn't even need that many modifications when you think about it, just a few colour swaps and adaptations for each train class

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Nice. Suggestion: Try it without the thin bodyside stripe and replace "Great British Railways" with plain "Southern".

I'd also agree it would be better without the thin stripe - please could we see this option to judge it?

 

[ScottGallagher]

Perhaps something like NSE did with the region logos, same livery but a nod to localism.

 

[Callum450]

I'd also agree it would be better without the thin stripe - please could we see this option to judge it?

Yes of course!

Nice. Suggestion: Try it without the thin bodyside stripe and replace "Great British Railways" with plain "Southern".

Done that as well

 

[Mr. SW]

That's better. You can see there's no need to splash "Great British Railways" over everything. The livery on its own suffices.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Yes, it's definitely a lot better.

We need a "thumbs up" smiley...

 

[Turtle]

Yes, it's definitely a lot better.

We need a "thumbs up" smiley...

Agreed

 

[Mike Machin]

Using my photoshop skills I’ve applied my redesign of the GBR livery on a Class 387.

I have also decided to add a white stripe on the side of the train (which is red on the doors) similar to the likes of South West Trains and GWR.

It doesn’t really serve any actual purpose but I just think it looks nice and makes the intermediate coaches look a little less “boring”.

(Original image by Joshua Brown)

Apologies, I meant to comment earlier but I was interrupted by unexpected visitors.

Anyway, until recent retirement I have been a graphic designer since 1979, working on projects around the world including transport projects as well as frequent freelancing for the BBC - so although design is subjective, I do have quite a lot of experience, even if I do say so myself!

I think this particular proposal is absolutely perfect. It completely fulfills the government’s brief in the way it stamps the strong UK/national branding on the rolling stock as they so obviously want, including the title ‘Great British Railways’ which appears to be incredibly important to them, but it’s so much more cohesive and has a finesse which is missing from the design which has been rolled-out so far.

I really think you should make every effort to try and get this to the attention of Heidi Alexander.

Unfortunately I don’t have any contacts at the DfT, but your local MP should be able to help one would hope.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Clansman]

Using my photoshop skills I’ve applied my redesign of the GBR livery on a Class 387.

I have also decided to add a white stripe on the side of the train (which is red on the doors) similar to the likes of South West Trains and GWR.

It doesn’t really serve any actual purpose but I just think it looks nice and makes the intermediate coaches look a little less “boring”.

(Original image by Joshua Brown)

Yes of course!

Done that as well

These are absolutely incredible. The best on here by a country mile and it smashes the official one out of the park.

Just need an Intercity concept (perhaps TPE livery with your GBR colours, or a version of your livery that predominantly has white with black-banded windows then GBR coulored cab ends) and you've got the perfect regional vs intercity distinction.

 

[MattRat]

Has anyone considered a royal purple livery? Obviously making it different to the Elizabeth line. Could allow for a very simple design that is still seen as British

 

[Bletchleyite]

Everyone is wondering how it will look on units with odd numbers of coaches, but nobody is asking about the FLIRTs. How will this look on a 755/3 with the asymmetry  and power pack?

They do need to think about that. Logic would be to design a pattern specifically for the power pack, with the end vehicles having the pointy pattern and the intermediates just the blues.

The TPE livery provides an example of how to do this (indeed I still think just using the TPE livery pattern with the GBR colours would work quite well!)

 

[150249]

To put my unnecessary two pence in, I think it looks far better on the 701 which I find weird because I prefer the general look of the 387. I think it's because the 701s are longer units, that must play a part. I think the livery itself looks quite good but I dread the day where it will be on every train in the country. In my opinion, half the fun of travelling around the country is seeing the variety of different trains in a variety of different colors which will be lost in the coming 5-10 years.

 

[saismee]

Yes of course!

Done that as well

This is fantastic work! Looks incredible.

 

[AndrewP]

I have been pretty critical of the livery so here are my suggestions:

Intercity:
Use either LNER or GWR as the base colour and the following colours for the various companies / lines:

• LNER - Red (as is if LNER), Blue if GWR based
• GWR - Green
• Avanti WC - Maroon
• Cross Country - Grey
• EMR - Purple
• Trans Pennine - Turquoise

London and the South East
Use the current southern with a different colour contrast for each region based on existing or traditional colours

Regional (Outside London and the South East)
Although Northern could be used with different colours by region / operating area, maybe this could be updated as it is a bit bland - maybe base it on SWR

For consistency use a single typeface for logos and Rail Typeface for everything else. Also bring in consistency with yellow stripes for first class (plus window stickers) and Northern style stripes for wheelchairs and bikes

Just some thoughts which would minimise cost by already having a significant number of trains already painted and undoubtedly better than GBR's MS Paint effort

 

[Mr. SW]

London and the South East
Use the current southern with a different colour contrast for each region based on existing or traditional colours

South Western: Adams Pea Green
LBSC (Southern): Marsh Umber
South Eastern: SECR Carriage Cherry Red

Pretty Please!

 

[Callum450]

These are absolutely incredible. The best on here by a country mile and it smashes the official one out of the park.

Thank You!

Just need an Intercity concept (perhaps TPE livery with your GBR colours, or a version of your livery that predominantly has white with black-banded windows then GBR coulored cab ends) and you've got the perfect regional vs intercity distinction.

This is what I’ve quickly created for a modern interpretation of the Intercity livery and I am open for further suggestions.

I’ve attempted to retain some of the classic features of the original Intercity livery such as the sharp angles, red stripe, large black window banners and the iconic swallow.

However the changes I’ve made include the addition of white doors to meet modern disability requirements, the red stripe now outlining the black banner and the original beige has been replaced with grey (it’s actually meant to be silver like the Virgin Trains livery).

Original photo by Nathan Williamson

 

[Sorcerer]

Thank You!

This is what I’ve quickly created for a modern interpretation of the Intercity livery and I am open for further suggestions.

I’ve attempted to retain some of the classic features of the original Intercity livery such as the sharp angles, red stripe, large black window banners and the iconic swallow.

However the changes I’ve made include the addition of white doors to meet modern disability requirements, the red stripe now outlining the black banner and the original beige has been replaced with grey (it’s actually meant to be silver like the Virgin Trains livery).

Original photo by Nathan Williamson

Very nicely done for a quick picture, even if I'm not the biggest fan of putting the old InterCity livery on modern trains (we need a new brand going forward).

I've seen people mention using the TPE livery for a GBR InterCity one, so I quicky put one together on Paint a few days ago. It might look better as a proper Photoshop but I don't quite know to be honest. I did the bottom alternative to not look too much like Lumo.

 

[Bletchleyite]

That doesn't look as good as I expected! Though the patterns on the intermediates may be better than the directional one.