First Capital Connect rebranding King's Lynn station as "British Railways"

[whole diary]

[Brucey]

I was out and about today, finding myself in King's Lynn where FCC^▸ (First Capital Connect) are currently refurbishing parts of the station.

On pulling into the platform, I was slightly shocked to see everything (literally everything, including station name signs, platform number indicators, way out signs, posters and the TVMs^▸ (Ticket Vending Machine)) feature the wording "British Railways".  No FCC branding and no National Rail branding.

I had a number of thoughts why they may have done this:
1. Nostalgia.  But the signage is all new and looks out of place.  They should've done a Birmingham Moor Street style refurb if nostalgia was the reason.
2. Change of franchise.  Signs etc don't need to be replaced when the franchise changes.  But then why not use National Rail branding instead?
3. Dropping of the First name.  As they've done with some buses (and are rumoured to be doing with FGW^▸ (First Great Western)), it could be that First wants to remove its name from their operations.

Does anyone have any more information on this?  And should we expect to see similar (awful looking IMHO^▸ (in my humble opinion)) branding at other First operated stations soon?

[JayMac]

http://www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk/better-stations/kings-lynn/

[Lee]

Either April 1st has come early, or we need a photo...

[Brucey]

Either April 1st has come early, or we need a photo...

[bobm]

Can't beat a bit of Chocolate and Cream - but in East Anglia? 

[Chris from Nailsea]

Personally, I think that particular ticket vending machine looks rather smart.  But does it actually accept payments by cash?

As our regular readers will know, this is my ongoing issue with such facilities, as both of the ticket vending machines at Nailsea & Backwell station continue to give the erroneous impression to the potential ram-raider fraternity that such machines might contain cash. 

[Worcester_Passenger]

I can't say I like it - but if, as BNM's link says, it's what the locals want...

I do like the way FCC^▸ (First Capital Connect) have used the old typeface for the timetable, especially the tiny font size. How do they manage to get that one past the DDA^» (Disability Discrimination Act - about) requirements. Or is the fact that this is a heritage station mean that it's now exempt from the DDA?

[Brucey]

I do like the way FCC^▸ (First Capital Connect) have used the old typeface for the timetable, especially the tiny font size. How do they manage to get that one past the DDA^» (Disability Discrimination Act - about) requirements. Or is the fact that this is a heritage station mean that it's now exempt from the DDA?

The sign is large and I stood at quite a distance to take that photo.  The text is actually a similar size to other timetable posters.

[stuving]

Personally, I think that particular ticket vending machine looks rather smart.  But does it actually accept payments by cash?

And will it work at all when it rains? That metalclad connection unit is not designed for outdoor use (IP4X, i.e. no specified performance against water ingress).

PS: Or - looking at the rest of the picture - is it actually under a glazed roof?

[johngreg]

Lots of reto BR^▸ (British Rail(ways)) posters (e.g. the new Winnerish Triangle Station) on the reading platform stairs at Richmond as well.

[Lee]

Like this, you mean? 

Ah, reminds me of the good old days when you could just get the A Team in to knock one up in that part of the world for you... - http://www.artofthestate.co.uk/photos/southern_winnersh_triangle_station.jpg

[Brucey]

Personally, I think that particular ticket vending machine looks rather smart.  But does it actually accept payments by cash?

And will it work at all when it rains? That metalclad connection unit is not designed for outdoor use (IP4X, i.e. no specified performance against water ingress).

PS: Or - looking at the rest of the picture - is it actually under a glazed roof?

Yes, the best way I can find to describe it is as an indoor outdoor area .  Presumably originally outside but with a roof stuck over the top.

[onthecushions]

I believe the name "British Railways" was coined during WW2 to express the National nature of the network then run by the big 4.

It was presumably taken over by the BTC and Railway Executive on Nationalisation.

It's a good idea to revive it - better than "National Rail"  (which Nation?)

It also gives some regional and historic identity, ER blue in this case.

OTC

[SDS]

Don't see much National Rail branding up Scotland. Scot Rail is a good branding.

Anyone recognise this?

[Red Squirrel]

I believe the name "British Railways" was coined during WW2 to express the National nature of the network then run by the big 4.

It was presumably taken over by the BTC and Railway Executive on Nationalisation.

It's a good idea to revive it - better than "National Rail"  (which Nation?)

It also gives some regional and historic identity, ER blue in this case.

OTC

The British Railways Board adopted the brand name 'British Rail' (i.e. dropped the '-ways' suffix) in 1965, so I'd agree that 'British Railways' could probably be allowed to resurface as a brand now. However, 'Britain's Railways' has a more modish feel to it... hang on, where's me red braces...