London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has officially launched a commemorative livery on one of its iconic Class 91 locomotives to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Railway Museum (NRM) in York. The unveiling took place at a special event on July 8, 2025, at the museum, symbolizing the enduring partnership between two key players in Britain’s railway legacy.
The InterCity 225 locomotive, now temporarily renumbered 91150, features a bespoke design emblazoned with the message “National Railway Museum 50 Years 1975–2025.” This celebratory livery includes historic photographs of legendary locomotives such as the Mallard and the Duchess of Hamilton, accompanied by a golden ribbon motif along both sides of the train—symbolizing five decades of preservation and progress in British railway history.
Running on the East Coast Main Line, this striking locomotive will serve millions of passengers between London King’s Cross, York, and Leeds, offering a moving tribute to the nation’s railway heritage.
A Legacy of Partnership and Innovation
LNER and the National Railway Museum have enjoyed a collaborative relationship spanning decades. From early tributes like the 1985 livery celebrating the museum’s first 10 years to a similar recognition during its 40th anniversary in 2015, LNER has consistently supported railway preservation efforts.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, emphasized the significance of the milestone:
“We are proud to unveil this unique livery to honor a vital national institution. Our long-standing partnership with the National Railway Museum reflects our commitment to celebrating and preserving Britain’s railway history.”
As part of the museum’s 50th anniversary—and in conjunction with Railway 200, the UK’s national celebration marking the bicentenary of the modern railway—the commemorative train will remain on display at the National Railway Museum turntable in York until July 10, 2025. Afterward, it will resume normal service on LNER routes, allowing the public to witness a unique piece of rail history in motion.
Honoring a Half-Century of British Rail Heritage
Since its founding in 1975, the National Railway Museum has welcomed nearly 40 million visitors, offering unparalleled access to preserved rolling stock, interactive exhibits, and world-famous locomotives. Located in York and part of the Science Museum Group, the NRM is home to engineering marvels such as the Flying Scotsman, the Mallard, and more.
Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, shared:
“We’re thrilled to see LNER mark our 50th year with such a vibrant and meaningful tribute. This year, we celebrate not only our own anniversary but also 200 years since the birth of modern rail travel—making this moment all the more historic.”
The Class 91 locomotive joins an evolving collection of railway icons and serves as a mobile reminder of the continuing impact of railways on the UK’s industrial and cultural development.
Looking Ahead: A Modern Railway with a Rich Heritage
As the UK rail industry evolves, LNER continues to combine its heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Its Azuma fleet, introduced in 2019, offers faster, greener, and more comfortable services across its nearly 1,000-mile network, which spans from London to Scotland, through the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North East.
LNER serves over 24 million customers annually, consistently ranking high in passenger satisfaction thanks to upgraded comfort, digital services, and sustainability efforts. The addition of the commemorative 91150 locomotive to the fleet underscores the company’s dual mission: honoring the past while driving forward into the future.
Celebrating Railway 200: Britain’s Bicentenary of Rail
The National Railway Museum’s 50th anniversary is part of the Railway 200 campaign—a UK-wide initiative celebrating 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway made the world’s first public steam-powered passenger journey in 1825. Events, exhibitions, and community engagement projects are taking place across the country throughout 2025.
The LNER special livery serves as a highly visible symbol of these celebrations, reminding passengers of the transformative impact of rail travel over the past two centuries.
Conclusion:
By unveiling the 91150 commemorative locomotive, LNER has not only paid tribute to the National Railway Museum’s half-century legacy but also reaffirmed its own role as a steward of British railway culture. With its continued investment in modern rail and meaningful partnerships, LNER connects passengers not just between cities, but across time—linking past triumphs with future journeys.
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