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Although trains were named in the early days of the
railways, with rival companies fighting for passengers over similar
routes on speed & comfort, the use of headboards on locomotives to
denote special services was used mainly in post war steam and early
diesel days. At this time the railways were starting to compete
against road transport and were trying to present an exciting image.
The best known headboard recently sold in auction for £27,500!!
Many regular express services were given names, such as THE FLYING SCOTSMAN, shown on the very desirable headboard pictured below.
The Headboards were carried on brackets on the smokebox door and were generally made of aluminium. The one above featured two round enamel plates with the Scottish thistle emblem. If this was to turn up in auction it could well set a new world record.
The above picture shows a GWR Castle Class loco hauling the final stage of the TORBAY EXPRESS into Churston Station. Click here for a list of all named trains Click here for a list of named trains in 1990
Many headboards have appeared for sale but there are quite a few replicas about and so if you are going to purchase one you would be best advised to seek advice before purchase. The top priced headboard went through auction recently & is a quite stunning item
For a list of the Top 10 Prices in Auction for Headboards click here. www.railwayana.net |
