Development of the Corporate Image
When British Railways was formed in 1948 by nationalising the four Statutory
companies, some form of corporate identity was required. Eventually two
totems, or logotypes, were selected, one to appear on official documents and
signwork, and the other to be applied to locomotives and powered MU Coaches.
The originals were decided on by the end of 1948, and here they are:
1948 - 1956
1948 BR Locomotive Logo. AKA the 'Ferret and Dartboard' or 'Unicycling
Lion'
An LNER Class A1 4-6-2 No. 60161 'North British' in the 1949-51 Blue
Livery.
Scottish Region Variant of 'Sausage' totem.
1956 - 1967
1956 BR Locomotive Logo. This was applied to Steam, Diesel and DC Electric
Locos.
An LNER Class A1 4-6-2 No. 60161 'North British' in the 1951-67 Green Livery
with the 1956 totem.
1956 Coach roundel. These were also applied to the power cars of Diesel and
Electric Multiple units, and to a couple of classes of Diesel Locos.
1959 - 1967
1959 Emblem for AC Electric, and certain Diesel Locos. These were cast in
polished aluminium. Classy! The same symbol was also used on cap badges.