RAIL enthusiasts are getting the chance to own a piece of its history this weekend (November 14) as locomotive nameplates are being auctioned in aid of charity.

The nameplates 43308 Highland Chieftain, 43300 Craigentinny and one Crest, 43238 National Railway Museum 40 Years 1975-2015, 43208 Lincolnshire Echo, 43257 Bounds Green, 43274 Spirit of Sunderland and 43290 MTU Fascination of Power will go up for auction on Saturday (November 14), with proceeds going to London North Eastern Railway’s (LNER) partner charity, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).

The sought-after memorabilia includes some famous names from the iconic Intercity 125 High Speed Train fleet that was retired from the East Coast route last year.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “We hope these pieces of our proud past, that celebrate the heritage of LNER’s route, will now support our communities as well.

“Our partner charity CALM has seen record levels of demand for its helpline services during the Coronavirus pandemic, which makes the proceeds of this auction even more important.

“Funds raised from the auction will be added to the £230,000 we have already raised for CALM through fundraising activities and customers donating ‘Delay Repay’ claims, further aiding the charity to help save lives and be there for those who need the support.”

CALM works to prevent suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths a day.

Further information about the auction can be found online at www.gwra.co.uk. Enthusiasts have been able to preview the collection of nameplates since July and auctioneers, G.W.Railwayana Auctions, say they’ve already seen significant interest in advance of the sale.