The nameplate is in recognition of 50 years at the forefront of train preservation and will read ‘Great Western Society 1961 – 2011,’

The nameplate unveiling ceremony was led by First Great Western Managing Director Mark Hopwood, and took place at Didcot Railway Centre in September.

Mark Hopwood said:

‘It gives me great pleasure to be able to recognise the achievement of the Great Western Society.
“While First Great Western prides itself on innovation and looking to the future, we also respect and recognise the rich railway heritage of the Great Western Railway.
“I believe this is a wonderful way to recognise the contribution the Great Western Society has made to railway preservation.”
Chairman of the GWS, Richard Croucher said:

‘The Great Western Society is delighted that First Great Western should honour our first 50 years of railway preservation by the naming of one of their HST power cars at Didcot Railway Centre, and we look forward to seeing it traverse the old Great Western Railway territory over the forthcoming years’.

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