LNER's New V.I.P Eleanor Gets Her Very Own Train

LNER is excited to reveal its latest named train and livery inspired by a new advertising campaign, and its V.I.P (Very Important Puppet) star, Eleanor. 

Named after the train company’s new mascot herself, the quirky and bright liveried ‘Eleanor’ train will serve many LNER destinations along the East Coast between Scotland and London King’s Cross. ‘Eleanor’ joins the Azuma fleet as the fourth named train, alongside ‘Century’, ‘Together’ and ‘You Belong’, all of which launched last year. 

Eleanor was introduced to her very own train for the first time at York Railway Station, where she received a warm welcome from Customer Experience Leader Dee Poroga, Elliot Jarvis, who worked on the design of the livery, and Customer Experience Host Will Singh, who co-stars in LNER’s latest advert. 

The advert sees mascot Eleanor enjoying a journey onboard one of LNER’s world-class Azuma trains, where she experiences and showcases the many things you can do when travelling across LNER’s 956-mile route. From reading on a trip to Edinburgh, to gaming on the way to York, working the way to a meeting in London, drinking a coffee as you depart from Doncaster, or simply experiencing some of the spectacular views from your seat – it highlights the freedom of travelling by train. 

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Our latest newly liveried train is a bit different to the others - featuring 'Eleanor' the new star of our latest advertising campaign. We’re delighted that Eleanor herself was with us for the special occasion to help us show our customers how they have the freedom to choose how to use their time when they travel with us.

Our other special livery trains capture many people's attention as they travel our route and I’m sure ‘Eleanor’s’ striking and fun design will be another popular sight for children and adults alike!”

Dee Poroga, Customer Experience Leader, said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I was met by Eleanor in York, and to be one of the first to see her train. After 29 years working with LNER, the job is still full of surprises. I’m looking forward to working, and travelling, on ‘Eleanor’ very soon.” 

Will Singh, Customer Experience Host, said: “It was a lot of fun to get to reunite with my co-star Eleanor at York Railway Station for the unveiling of our new train. It seemed like she was lost for words at the sight of herself on a train.”  

The new livery has been applied to unit 801225.