A CARLISLE family has had an 'emotional' day after a locomotive has been renamed after their father, who prevented a potentially catastrophic disaster 40 years ago.
Recognising that train carriages from Liverpool to Glasgow had divided, within four minutes Bill had redirected the 10 uncoupled carriages onto an empty goods line, sending it plunging into the River Caldew.
The freight liner, carrying a dangerous cargo of an explosive petrol additive and acid, was said to be travelling at an estimated triple the line speed of 20mph.
On the anniversary of the event (May 1, 2024), Willie's family gathered as GB Railfreight unveiled a loco bearing his name at Carlisle Railway Station.
"It was an emotional day," Willie's son Ian said.
"There were a lot of lads there who worked with my dad, to see them introduce themselves was quite emotional."
In an interview following the incident, in which the train was travelling three times the speed it should have been, Willie said he was 'only doing his job' and that he would do the same again.
"I spoke of what I remember of the day.
"I remember coming home from work and looking at my dad being interviewed in the garden, he looked different but I couldn't put my finger on what had changed.
"He had his teeth in, he very rarely did," Ian joked.
Among the attendees were members of the Taylor family spanning multiple generations.
"My dad now has a great-great-grandchild that was there on the day, so that was nice," he said.
"There has also been talk about turning the story into a drama, so that's exciting."
In a final toast to their father, the Taylor family was extended an invitation to ride on the train bearing Willie's name, which will continue to travel throughout the Carlisle region.
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