FGW celebrate Red Arrows' 50th season

First Great Western have named one of their high speed trains in celebration of  the Red Arrows’ 50th display season.

The power is named “Red Arrows: 50 Seasons of Excellence”
.
The train naming, which took place at Exeter St David’s Station, celebrated the start of the 2014 Dawlish Air Show and marks a significant milestone for the Red Arrows.

First Great Western’s General Manager, West, David Crome, said: “I’m delighted we’re able to celebrate the Red Arrows 50th display season and we’re proud to be naming one of our high speed trains in honour of them.

“It is important as a country that we celebrate the skill, agility, talent and bravery of the Red Arrows and it’s fantastic to see so many people supporting this very important occasion.”

Dawlish Air Show commentator, Andy Pawsey, said: “The association between the RAF and locomotive name plates is a long and honourable one.

“The RAF is extremely proud of this association. It honours the past but also highlights our current role, our people and aircraft.”

The high speed train will travel along the whole Great Western network and will be seen by thousands of passengers every day.

Unveiling the name plate on behalf of the Red Arrows was Team Leader and Red 1 – Squadron Leader Jim Turner.

Squadron Leader Turner said:  “The Red Arrows represent the speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, so it’s wonderful a high-speed train – that will be seen by thousands of people on its travels – is named in celebration of the team and our 50th display season.”