March 2025: InterCity Swallow
For March’s Object of the Month, we are excited to feature an InterCity 125 Swallow logo that we have just put on display in our newly interpreted introduction space.
Photo of STEAM’s new introduction space, giving an overview of the history of GWR.
The InterCity 125 High Speed Trains were introduced into service by British Rail in 1976. A total of 95 sets, comprising of two power cars and passenger coaches, were built by British Rail Engineering Limited between 1975 and 1982. Originally the InterCity 125’s livery included the British Rail double arrow logo, but in 1987 the swallow was introduced in celebration of the 21st anniversary of the train.
The InterCity 125 High Speed Train at the station platform at Paddington.
A swallow was chosen because it symbolised grace and speed, which was an image that British Rail wanted its InterCity services to project.
The redisplayed introductory area at STEAM gives an overview of the history of the GWR and its successors. A wealth of objects are used to tell this history, and the InterCity 125 Swallow logo is an important part of the story.
Discover our new display today and book your tickets to STEAM today!
