Something went wrong.

We've been notified of this error.

Need help? Check out our Help Centre.

Virgin Trains "One-Offs"


Special liveries for a truly special brand

Over my decade working for the Virgin brand, I was asked to design some very special, very unique liveries for a whole range of events, advertising and commemorations. Each design had a massive amount of research, an in-depth strategy into how it would work with the brand and integrate into the overall livery scheme, and a whole lot of my passion and knowledge thrown in too.

From marking the launch of multi-million dollar movies, to reinvigorating famous railway names, to celebrate the innovation of an entire nation, all of my designs were hugely popular and hugely successful. They helped to elevate the Virgin brand name above and beyond its 'standard' look, and showed that design ambition has a real place on our national rail network.

Could your train, bus or plane benefit from a special 'one-off' Sam Jessup Design livery?


Bringing a world famous name...

When Virgin Trains East Coast wanted to pay tribute to the famous 'Flying Scotsman' name, they approached me to help design a brand new look for an existing Class 91 and Mk4 DVT to shout about their new route, and distinct style and service.

...back to modern life

Working with Paul Gentleman Associates, we developed a bold, new look which kept the Scottish link alive, added 'wings' inspired by the 'Flying Scotsman' of the Deltic era, and helped to give ownership of the famous name to the Virgin brand.


Launching a new movie...

In typical game-changing form, Virgin Trains worked with 20th Century Fox to celebrate the release of the film 'X-Men Days of Future Past' using a Pendolino train as a large advertising board. Naturally, I was put to the challenge of bringing it to life.

...in a uniquely Virgin way

Working closely with the movie studio, I produced a bespoke design which featured characters and logos from the franchise, spread down the length of the train, in a cost-effective way, creating the illusion of a fully wrapped design for a better cost.


40 years of railway memory making...

The National Railway Museum in York reached the grand old age of 40 in 2015, and I was commissioned by Virgin to create a locomotive design, on a Class 43 HST, to celebrate this historic milestone. What you see here is the stunning end result!

...on just one classic locomotive

The 'NRM' has a diverse and famous collection covering all ages of rail travel, so it was the perfect opportunity to feature some of these icons of rail travel on the design - I chose six notables, covering different eras to show evolution in style and design.


Celebrating the best of British...

There's never been a better time to champion British innovation, history, heritage and technology, so when when Virgin decided to work with UK Government on its 'Great Britain' campaign, all eyes turned to me to deliver something inspiring.

...with a simple and patriotic addition

With a low-budget for the fitting, simple additions were best, so I went proudly patriotic, outfitting the train with a bold Union Jack motif, keeping the hierarchy of the 'Great Britain' wording and highlighting reasons to believe in our nation.


Spreading the spirit of a great city...

Sunderland, the heart of the industrial might of the North East, was getting an improved rail service, from Virgin, for the first time in years. A celebration of the city and its culture was needed, so Sam Jessup Design was called.

...with a tribute unlike any other

In-depth research into the city, its people, history and culture, led to a bespoke design, and name, for the train. Taking elements of history, art, geography and people from the city itself to create an iconic and inspired design loved by all.


Bringing classic railway stock...

With a couple of Pendolino trains out of service for the long term, Virgin had decided to re-invest in old rolling stock to provide a stop-gap. Bringing some of their 'classic' trains out of retirement, a modern twist was needed. So I stepped up.

...into a new era, and a new look

Creating a bespoke variant of the Virgin Trains livery to fit the Mk3 coaches and DVT, I created something that fitted in with the fleet, helped improve the perception of the 'classic' rolling stock and gained the nickname, the 'Pretendolino'.


Impressed with what you see? Get in touch!

This form will shoot your message directly into the urgent work inbox, and I'll be in touch to see how we can work together to bring your brand to life.

Looking forward to working with you!

If you'd like to chat, call on 07791 063180

Using Format