25.02.05

Porterbrook Leasing Company Limited ("Porterbrook"), a subsidiary of Abbey National plc ("Abbey"), has today named one of its Class 87 locomotives "The Olympian" in conjunction with the London 2012 Back the Bid Campaign and RAIL magazine.

The unveiling took place at Euston Station and a third nameplate was presented to Mike Power, Chief Operating Officer of the London 2012 Olympic Bid Team.

In December 2004 Porterbrook and RAIL magazine invited readers to suggest unusual eye-catching repaints for two Class 87 locomotives. Today sees one of the suggested liveries unveiled.

The revised Network SouthEast livery - applied for the first time to a Class 87 - emulates the colours of the union flag. This well known brand was then reworded with 'Back the Bid London 2012 in place of 'Network SouthEast'. The locomotive's number - 87012 - provides another visual link to the 2012 bid, whilst the colour scheme will resonate with South East rail users.

Ian Pritchard, Head of Communications for Porterbrook said

"This was a a fantastic opportunity for a collaborative naming in support of the London 2012 Olympic bid. The Olympian will be seen across the west coast network, raising awareness in the regions, something which Porterbrook is uniquely placed, and delighted to do."

Porterbrook retains a fleet of 34 Class 87s, many now returned from passenger service. It is actively looking for and identifying new uses for this extremely reliable and powerful locomotive type. Several have now re-entered service with freight operators, replacing diesel traction on the electrified west coast route.