New Livery of the Week

Since privatisation, British train companies seem to change their liveries as often as some people change their socks. Latest one to rebrand themselves is Midland Main Line. Opinions on mailing lists are divided over this one; it's vaguely reminiscent of the 1990s Rail Express Systems livery. There's also a hint of British Rail corporate blue as well. I'm not sure of the shade, as the two on line photos I've seen have looked different, and I have yet to see one 'in the flesh'.

Why is it that train companies feel compelled to do this? The older MML livery was quite striking and stylish, why change it? I notice American railroads don't feel they have to rebrand themselves every couple of years; doesn't Union Pacific still stick to the same colour scheme they used in the 1950s?

One thing the photo does show is what a classic design the HST power car is. They've been the backbone of non electrified inter city routes for 25 years now, and are likely to be with us for some years to come.