| Era |
Definition |
| 1 |
1804 - 1875 Pioneering |
| 2 |
1875 - 1922 Pre-Grouping |
| 3 |
1923 - 1947 The Big four - LMS, GWR, LNER and SR |
| 4 |
1948 - 1956 British Railways Early Emblem |
| 5 |
1957 - 1966 British Railways Late Crest |
| 6 |
1967 - 1971 British Railways Blue Pre Tops |
| 7 |
1971 - 1982 British Railways Blue Tops era |
| 8 |
1982 - 1994 British Railways Sectorisation |
| 9 |
1995 onwards - Post Privatisation |
Preservation
Railway preservation and heritage railways started in 1951 at Towyn, moving up to the first standard gauge heritage railway, the Bluebell line, opening to the public in 1960. Many historic railway vehicles from the past are painted in the liveries of their original owners, with steam locomotives and equipment operating alongside 'modern' diesel power.
Since privatisation several older liveries have been revived for charter trains. Yet another reason why something out of period might be seen on the 'modern' railway.
Era information is provided as a guide to the time period when a model or livery would have ben seen. Normally the era starts as the date of a significant livery change, however it is impossible to set an era for every livery change. In most cases a search on the web will quickly find the dates applicable for specific changes if you need more accurate information.
It takes many years to complete a change of livery and many items of rolling stock remained painted in the liveries from the preceeding Era during the early part of the following Era. Typically locomotives and passenger coaches would normally have received a repaint within 5 years, but goods and shunting engines often went much longer between full repaints, having existing paintwork 'touched up' at much lower costs. Railway company owned wagons were painted much less frequently, possibly only when major repairs were required and paint applied up to 20 years previously might be found. Surprisingly steam-era private owner wagons were often fully repainted every 3 years under maintenenace contracts to keep the livery clean, fresh and legible.
Please rememeber the Era is merely a guide for those who wish to purchase models from a similar period in time and in livereies which would have been seen together. Do not let the Era dissuade you from purchasing and enjoying an item because you find it attractive or interesting.
It's your railway, run it your way!
That's what we've been doing for years!