In the hour or so I was there, it struck me what a colourful railway we now have. As a youngster it was corporate blue and grey all the way – now it’s a positive kaleidoscope of colours.

Its also interesting watching the time it takes the Train Operating Companies to catch up with change. There were probably more things running around in the old Midland Mainline Colours than the newer East Midland Trains colours.

Now I appreciate you can’t just take a fleet out of service for a while to repaint it, but the hangover time is interesting. Wonder what the longest hangover time is – anybody got any ideas?

It also begs a question of cost. All these fancy colours and graphics look very cool – but are they actually life expired when the next livery comes along? Hmmm…

See my album of UK Railway Scene - 2008.