Ken Davies, a lifelong railway worker, was surprised by his colleagues with a train named after him in Widnes.
Ken started in signalling and also trained crews. He then moved into traffic management positions. Colleagues surprised Ken in Widnes by putting his name on a locomotive’s side.
Ken said railways name trains after many things, including regiments and football teams. Big cities and ocean liners also get trains named. He feels honored to join that group.
Ken joined Alstom in 2002 and lives in Ashton. He oversaw operations on the West Coast line and also managed the Old Dalby Test Track.
He mitigates risks when procedures change today. This includes introducing new train fleets too. Liz Lumber says Ken’s experience is unmatched, and he teaches using real-world examples.
Liz added that Ken supports vital projects. She’s happy he has a Class 08 named after him. She calls him a true railway man.
Ken’s grandfather worked in Liverpool. His father was a train driver, and his sister retired as a guard after 20 years. She worked in Par, Cornwall.
This year is the railway’s 200th anniversary. Alstom will celebrate with many trains. This large event will occur in August, running from the 1st to the 3rd.