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.

On May 1, 1984, William Taylor's quick-thinking averted a runaway freight train from barrelling into a populated Carlisle station, where the Glasgow to Euston passenger train was sitting. 

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.

News and Star: Willie Taylor, pictured alongside the freight train as it crashed into the River CaldewWillie Taylor, pictured alongside the freight train as it crashed into the River Caldew (Image: Supplied/NQ) 

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." 

News and Star: Ian and his brother David Taylor with locomotive bearing Willie's nameIan and his brother David Taylor with locomotive bearing Willie's name (Image: Ian Taylor)

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.