A Merseyrail locomotive nameplate dedicated to the late operations inspector Stuart Mason is set to go under the hammer in November, with proceeds donated to the Transport Benevolent Fund CIO (TBF).
The nameplate, taken from a train that carried Stuart’s name in recognition of his contribution to the Merseyrail network, was offered to TBF earlier this year by contacts at the train operator. It will be sold through specialist railway auctioneers GW Railwayana, giving enthusiasts and collectors the chance to own a piece of Merseyrail history – and support a vital industry charity at the same time.
The opportunity arose when Merseyrail approached TBF to ask if the organisation would be interested in receiving the plate as a donation. “We’ve always had a great relationship with the train operators,” explained TBF Chief Executive John Sheehy. “In this case, Merseyrail reached out after the plate was removed and suggested we might auction it for charity. It’s a really thoughtful gesture and we’re grateful for their continued support.”
The auction is scheduled for November, and the charity hopes the publicity surrounding the sale will help raise awareness of both Stuart’s service to the industry and TBF’s work supporting transport staff and their families.
Founded over 100 years ago, TBF provides financial assistance, health and welfare support, and practical help to those working across Great Britain’s transport sector. Funded entirely by member subscriptions and donations, the charity offers a vital safety net for individuals facing illness, injury, or financial hardship.
“It’s not the first time Merseyrail has stepped in to support us,” said John. “They’ve helped raise money in the past and have always been quick to think of us when opportunities like this come up. Gestures like these make a real difference to the people we help every day.”
Respected railwayman
Stuart Mason passed away in 2012 at the age of 57. Deeply respected and widely admired, he trained, coached, and mentored every current operations manager and inspector, and guided drivers throughout a remarkable 21-year career.
Stuart began his railway journey as a booking boy in the signal boxes around Manchester Victoria station after leaving school. Once old enough, he qualified as a signalman, a role he held for a couple of years before moving to the footplate. He started as a secondman at Dover before returning to Manchester, where he served as a relief driver at Newton Heath station.
In the early 1980s, Stuart transferred to Southport as a driver and was soon promoted to driver instructor. His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as a traction inspector on the Liverpool Division of British Rail in 1988, a role he fulfilled until his retirement in April 2009, once again based at Southport.
The locomotive that bore his name served for over a decade as a moving tribute to his contribution to the railway, and the auction now provides a chance for that legacy to benefit others working in the wider transport community.
Community support
The sale reflects a long tradition of nameplate auctions within the enthusiast world, where railway memorabilia often raises substantial sums for charitable causes. Plates linked to well-known figures or operators frequently attract competitive bidding, with collectors eager to secure a tangible piece of railway heritage.
This highlights the strong sense of community that exists across the public transport industry – a network that looks after its own. TBF often works closely with train operators, suppliers, and transport companies nationwide to raise funds and awareness, from sponsored events and membership drives to one-off donations such as this.
For the charity, every pound raised helps provide essential support, including physiotherapy, counselling, convalescent breaks, medical equipment, and grants for those in financial difficulty. “The transport family has always looked after each other,” said John. “Whether it’s a company running a fundraiser or a train operator offering a donation, it all goes towards helping people when they need it most.”
With the auction now confirmed, TBF hopes the story will reach collectors and railway fans across the country. The sale represents not only a chance to own a piece of history but also to give back to the community that keeps Britain’s transport network moving.
The GW Railwayana auction takes place in November, with full details available on the auctioneer’s website. All proceeds from the sale of the Stuart Mason nameplate will go directly to TBF, continuing a legacy of support that honours both a valued colleague and the wider transport family.
