Monthly Archives: January 2016

1950s Streamlining • Japan + USA

Here is a box and label for a Japanese tinplate model of the 1950s streamliner called the Kodama. This is what it looked like in reality…you can sense the speed, punctuality, and cleanliness of this version of post-war modernity: it’s … Continue reading

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SNCF • BB 8105 • 1948

Here is a picture of the post-war French electric loco manufactured by Alstom. I love the port-holes along the side of the engine.

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Wrap-around Winscreen • SNCF • 1960s

The French railways, SNCF, were pioneers of high-speed electric traction. They have held high-speed records since the 1950s. In general, electric traction is the poor relation of railway enthusiasm. The engines are styled around an unashamed and utilitarian functionality…there’s precious … Continue reading

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Hornby Railway Co enamel lapel badge 1930s

Here is a lovely enamel badge for the Hornby Railway Company. The front has a simplified and flat-colour steam loco. The slight curve of the track gives the design a kind of dynamic depth-of-field, in spite of the flat-colour enamel. … Continue reading

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Sunset Limited USA

The great triangle of the US rail system is Chicago to New Orleans, to Los Angeles, and back to Chicago. The Sunset Limited runs from New Orleans to Los Angeles via Houston, El Paso and Tucson and Yuma…each name redolent … Continue reading

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Railway Engine Badges

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BR Identity Launch 1965

Not just a logo, a whole new system of organisation and presentation…

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Union Pacific Logo

It’s surprising how few railway company logos are any good…just take a look. The old BR was clear and simple…and looked good in any size – as a badge on a coat, or on the side of a building… This … Continue reading

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Railway Yards

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Scranton Pa • Railway Yards • c1895

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