Now fondly remembered by enthusiasts the BR blue period seemed quite drab at the time, as BR finally managed to forge a consistent corporate image. Following the end of steam many diesel classes gained their own dedicated following as the 'non-standard' classes were slated for withdraw. Thousands followed the Westerns, 24s, 25s, 44/45/46 'Peaks' and the mighty Deltics as each class in turn was displaced by newer locomotives, specialist heavy freight engines and the futuristic HST trains.

As ever the only constant on the railway scene of the 1970s and 80s was the change and this group includes the first railfreight grey liveries, a precursor of business sector liveries to come.