London North Eastern Railway has unveiled what it says is its first named and liveried Azuma train, as part of celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the LNER name.

Unit 801 228 has been named ‘Century’, and now features a livery featuring “a unique photographic timeline of the last 100 years of LNER”, including colleagues, iconic locomotives and destinations, as well as Mallard speed record breaking driver, Joe Duddington.

LNER said that the name had been chosen by colleagues and a special train naming panel, “reflecting the sentiment of the pride in LNER’s rich past, its passion for the present and the ambition LNER has for the future”.

The LNER brand was revived in 2018, after Virgin Trains East Coast was stripped of its contract to operate the East Coast Mainline.

London North Eastern Railway to return

Century joins other LNER named trains including the ‘Flying Scotsman’, ‘Mallard’ and ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’.

Commenting on the news David Horne, managing director at LNER, said:

“It’s a truly special moment for everyone at LNER to be unveiling the first named Azuma on the fourth anniversary of our Azuma trains first entering into passenger service.

“‘Century’ recognises the successes and iconic moments of our proud past which have defined who we are today, as well as looking forward to the innovation and technology which will see us through 100 more years of taking people on exciting journeys on the East Coast route.

“The livery perfectly depicts our story to date and we can’t wait to see customers enjoying it out on the route.”

Last month LNER unveiled a named service to commemorate the coronation of King Charles III. The Carolean Express operates between London and Edinburgh, departing King’s Cross at 1100.

LNER to launch Carolean Express

lner.co.uk