As the UK rail industry moves towards a unified future under Great British Railways (GBR), Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR) appointed us to deliver the first GBR branded train wrap in the industry. The landmark project marked the beginning of the wider GBR rollout programme, which will see trains across the UK rebranded under a single identity throughout 2026 and beyond as part of The Railways Bill and the future unification of Britain’s railway network.
Our task was to transform an Alstom-built Class 387 four-car train into the new GBR identity, setting the standard for future fleet rebrands across the network. With a five-day turnaround and multiple stakeholders involved, the project required careful planning, rapid delivery and absolute consistency across paint and vinyl finishes.
We surveyed, templated, printed and installed the full exterior rebrand in-house, completing the transformation at Brighton Depot over a weekend working programme to minimise operational disruption. Both vinyl and paint proofs were supplied for approval prior to production to guarantee accurate colour matching and compliance with GBR standards.
The project involved the removal of the existing branding, bodywork preparation and repairs, followed by the installation of the new GBR livery using premium 3M anti-graffiti vinyl for long-term durability and easier maintenance. We also painted the roof, front valance and egress handles to create a seamless finish across both wrapped and painted elements.
Close collaboration with GTR was critical throughout the programme; the train was transferred to Selhurst Depot to utilise GTR’s paint booth facilities, where GTR painted CCTV pods, step lights and passenger door components to align with the new livery.
Delivering a first-of-its-kind project within a strict timeframe required flexibility, technical expertise and strong stakeholder coordination. There were also logistical challenges to navigate, such as accessing the roof dome, which meant the train needed to be repositioned multiple times to allow safe access for IPAF-certified installers using cherry pickers and scissor lifts.
Through collaborative planning meetings, phased scheduling and close communication between Aura, GTR and the depot teams, the project was completed successfully within just five days. GTR also arranged 24-hour security throughout the installation period to protect the newly branded train before entering service.
The finished train represents a significant milestone for the rail industry and demonstrates our capability to deliver complex, high-profile rail rebrands quickly, safely and to an exceptional standard as the transition to GBR branding begins across the UK rail network.
