A special Azuma train carrying a commemorative livery celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sir Nigel Gresley’s birth will be seen on the LNER railway this summer.

The new design, titled Gresley 150, honours one of Britain’s most influential railway engineers. Sir Nigel Gresley served as Chief Mechanical Engineer of the former London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) from 1923 until his death in 1941 and was responsible for some of the most famous steam locomotives ever built.

Among his most celebrated designs were the Flying Scotsman and the streamlined A4 Pacific locomotives, including Mallard, which still holds the world speed record for a steam locomotive after reaching 126mph in 1938.

The commemorative livery was revealed during a special ceremony at Doncaster station, attended by members of Gresley’s family, including his grandson and great-granddaughter.

Applied to Azuma train unit 801228, the design features original technical drawings of Gresley locomotives sourced from the National Railway Museum archives. It also includes artwork of Mallard by John Park of Poster Creative, as well as an image of a bust of Sir Nigel Gresley.

The train has been painted in Garter Blue, the distinctive shade introduced by Gresley in 1937 for his streamlined A4 locomotives. The colour became synonymous with the record-breaking engines that defined the golden age of steam travel.

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: “This is a momentous day in the history of LNER as we recognise the significant impact that Sir Nigel Gresley had on the original LNER, as well as the wider rail industry.

“He was a pioneer, a true innovator, and is regarded as one of the all-time railway greats. It is fitting for us to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth with this special livery, which will be a moving legacy as we see this LNER Azuma travelling across the length of the East Coast Main Line, showcasing Gresley’s influence to thousands of customers each day.”