The two trains above have a particular feature in common. it is a feature that I grew up with, and am thus accustomed to. They both feature a generous dash of yellow paint at either end.

This feature came about as Britain transitioned from steam locomotives, which were loud, to diesel and electric trains, which tend to run more quietly. Because they run more quietly, diesel and electric trains potentially posed more danger to people working on the tracks, so to ensure visibility, the frontends had to have yellow paint. As a cub, this was something that I not only found to be normal, but I also rather liked it. It became a distinguishing feature of British trains whilst I was growing up. It felt right.

In recent years, things have changed, I will confess that I don’t like it.

As you’ll see, the Class 345 lacks a yellow front. This reflects an easing of the regulations, which are in turn affected by improvements to the headlights of trains. With brighter, better lights, there is no strict need to paint trains yellow, not anymore, though train companies must still provide explanations as to their choices, for the purpose of ensuring safety.

This is all well-and-good, but to this meerkat, it renders the trains uglier. I am not a fan of the various schemes that are now emerging. Some trains are now orange. Orange!

It’s one of those things where I cannot disguise that I am prejudiced. I prefer my trains to have yellow fronts!

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