GB Railfreight (GBRf) has named Class 57 loco 57310 as ‘UK Railtours’ in a ceremony at Southend Central station.
The nameplate was unveiled on Saturday April 12 by UK Railtours’ (UKR) Managing Director Liz Morris and former Operations Director Simon Farrow; the children of the charter company’s founder, the late John Farrow. John’s widow Clare, owner of UKR, was also in attendance.
The Class 57 re-dedication was conducted during the layover of the GBRf-operated ‘Thames Meanderer’ tour, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first rail tour that John Farrow organised under the auspices of the Lea Valley Railway Club. John independently established Hertfordshire Railtours in 1978, which was reformed as the contemporary UKR in 2007.
Three locos have previously carried the name ‘Hertfordshire Railtours’, but 57310 is the first to appear as ‘UK Railtours’.
Liz Morris, UK Railtours’ Managing Director, said: “We want to thank GBRf for this wonderful gesture, as well as our loyal customers, industry partners and volunteer stewards, without whom we simply wouldn’t be where we are today. We look forward to seeing where this amazing journey takes us over the next 50 years and hope to see 57310 ‘UK Railtours’ at the front of many of our special trains.”
Kev Adlam, GB Railfreight Account Manager, said: “In the 50th anniversary year of John Farrow’s first train, it is only fitting that GBRf has dedicated a loco to his charter legacy. It is also a tribute to the team who have carried that torch forward since his death in 2020. We remain a proud and committed operational partner of UK Railtours.”