ROBERT RIDDLES: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 41 YEARS ON
AS THE 10.18am train threaded its way through the track complex approaching Euston, I wondered what kind of reception awaited me. I was, to say the least, a little apprehensive as I had never attended the naming ceremony of a main line electric locomotive before.
Tuesday May 19 1981 was to be a significant day in the life of Robert A. Riddles CBE as it was he who was to be honoured in not only having No. 86102 named after him but he would also be performing the naming ceremony.
I made my way along Platform 3 at Euston, where the class ‘86’ stood waiting to head the 1pm service to Holyhead. A shining new coat of blue paintwork added a cheerful air to the rather damp surroundings. The newly affixed nameplates were covered by a draw curtain on the platform side and a taped cover for easy removal after the unveiling on the other.
Mr Riddles and his wife arrived by chauffeur-driven car accompanied by London Midland Region’s General Manager, Jim O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien said in his speech of welcome to Mr Riddles: “It is perhaps appropriate that this locomotive, which will proudly bear the name of Robert A. Riddles, will in fact make its first stop at Crewe, for it was there, before the First World
