Competition to name a class 150

A competition to name a Class 150 train on the Marston Vale Line to celebrate the reintroduction of the full rail timetable has been announced by London Northwestern Railway.

The train operator is asking for suggestions that celebrate people and places along the line that connects Bedford with Bletchley. A partial service was reintroduced in November following a period of rail replacement buses operating as a result of VivaRail – which maintained the class 230s previously used on the route – going into administration. The full timetable was resumed on the route from 19 February.

The class 150s currently in use on the route have a long history with the line, stretching back over 20 years. The stock currently in use has been cascaded from train operator Northern. The winning competition entry to name one of these trains will be decided by a panel from LNR and the Marston Vale Community Partnership.

There is also running a major ticket offer on the line. For the next three months, a single journey between any two stations on the Marston Vale Line will cost just £1 or 50p for children.

Entries to the competition can be made by online or by completing a submission form which can be picked up at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and Tea Room.

The contest winner will have the chance to attend the Official Naming Ceremony at Bletchley Station. Entrants have until Monday 4 March to submit their suggestions. More details here: https://www.londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk/destinations/trains-to-marston-vale-line/name-your-very-own-train

Pictures from Rail Picture Library showing a class 150 being named at Bletchley station 2006: http://tinyurl.com/yux7hbfd

The line also features in this upcoming book (saucy and shocking in pats!): https://www.chimewhistle.co.uk/shop/p/afunnythinghappenedonthetraintothemidlands