LNER has unveiled its latest named train and livery, which is inspired by a new advertising campaign starring V.I.P (Very Important Puppet), Eleanor.
Named after the operator’s new mascot, the bright, quirky liveried ‘Eleanor’ train will serve many LNER destinations along the East Coast between Scotland and London King’s Cross.
‘Eleanor’ is the fourth named train in the Azuma fleet, which already includes ‘Century’, ‘Together’ and ‘You Belong’, all of which launched last year.
Eleanor was introduced to her very own train for the first time at York Railway Station. There, she received a warm welcome from Customer Experience Leader Dee Poroga, Elliot Jarvis, who worked on the design of the livery, and Customer Experience Host Will Singh, who co-stars in LNER’s latest advert.
The advert sees mascot Eleanor enjoying a journey onboard one of LNER’s Azuma trains, where she experiences and showcases the many things people can do while travelling its 956-mile route. The operator said its new campaign celebrates the freedom train travel affords passengers, with Eleanor reading on a trip to Edinburgh, gaming on the way to York, working the way to a meeting in London, drinking a coffee as she departs from Doncaster, and enjoying spectacular views from her seat.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Our latest newly liveried train is a bit different to the others – featuring ‘Eleanor’ the new star of our latest advertising campaign. We’re delighted that Eleanor herself was with us for the special occasion to help us show our customers how they have the freedom to choose how to use their time when they travel with us.
Our other special livery trains capture many people’s attention as they travel our route and I’m sure ‘Eleanor’s’ striking and fun design will be another popular sight for children and adults alike!”
Dee Poroga, Customer Experience Leader, added: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I was met by Eleanor in York, and to be one of the first to see her train. After 29 years working with LNER, the job is still full of surprises. I’m looking forward to working, and travelling, on ‘Eleanor’ very soon.”
Will Singh, Customer Experience Host, said: “It was a lot of fun to get to reunite with my co-star Eleanor at York Railway Station for the unveiling of our new train. It seemed like she was lost for words at the sight of herself on a train.”
The new livery has been applied to unit 801225.
