Aura has partnered with Chiltern Railways for over 10 years, supporting the operator through multiple branding programmes as the fleet, network and passenger expectations have evolved. Our long-standing relationship spans a wide range of rail branding projects, giving us a deep understanding of Chiltern’s operational environment, brand standards and engineering requirements.
As part of Chiltern Railways’ ongoing fleet investment and expansion, Aura was appointed to deliver two large-scale rail rebrand programmes.
Together, the projects involved rebranding newly acquired rolling stock, encompassing exterior and interior transformations, repair work, and close coordination with multiple stakeholders across several depots. The brief demanded brand consistency, durability and minimal disruption to live rail operations, key requirements as the industry prepares for GBR-led renationalisation.
Project 1: Rebranding 15 Class 68 locomotives and 13 Mk5 trains
Our in-house design team collaborated closely with Chiltern to develop and refine the livery, adapting the design to suit the orientation and form of the Class 68 locomotives. Installation was carried out across Arriva Eastleigh and Arlington Works depots using high-performance 3M™ films for long-term durability.
The project presented several challenges, including corrosion and bodywork issues, unplanned delays caused by train movements between depots, and the need to adapt the design to accommodate the locomotives' orientation. Aura overcame these challenges by carrying out full bodywork repairs and corrosion treatment prior to wrapping, refining the livery design to ensure correct visual alignment, and maintaining flexible production planning to adapt quickly to changing train availability. Close collaboration with multiple stakeholders made sure the programme remained efficient and disruption to operations was kept to a minimum.
Project 2: Rebranding 6 Class 196 two-car units
To support Chiltern Railways’ service expansion, Aura rebranded six new Class 196 two-car units at Wolverton Gemini Rail Depot. The work involved removing existing graphics, completing bodywork repairs, colour-matched infill painting and supplying and installing new exterior graphics, including full cab-end and roof wraps to achieve a complete colour change. Internally, Aura surveyed all existing labelling and redesigned it in line with Chiltern’s branding, before supplying and installing new route maps, emergency signage and embossed labels.
The result was a fully cohesive interior and exterior rebrand, delivered efficiently within a live depot environment.
Across both projects, Aura delivered a consistent, high-quality rebrand that enhanced fleet presentation, protected assets and supported Chiltern Railways’ operational growth. Our ability to combine rail-approved materials, in-house design, technical repair expertise and nationwide installation achieved the desired result with minimal downtime and maximum impact.
These projects demonstrate Aura’s readiness to support future GBR-led rail rebrands, offering train operators a proven partner capable of delivering large-scale, compliant and brand-led fleet transformations across the UK rail network.
