Train Operator Goes Full Steam On The Meme, Christens ‘Trainy McTrainface’

The concept of allowing utterly unqualified plebs to name maritime vessels is proof that democracy isn’t dead, but the railway follow-up to RSS Boaty McBoatface is proof that maybe it should be. 

Before the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) polar research vessel has been officially christened – and make no mistake, it’s gotta be Boatface or nothing – other purveyors of mass transport have seized the meme. The results are smirk-worthy, but significantly more land-locked than the $AUD380 million vessel.

Didnt expect my train to have a name today ?? @SW_Trains #trains pic.twitter.com/Zc9Lvrf3ye

— Matthew Fifield (@funfield5) March 22, 2016

Bravo the member of South West staff at Waterloo. Trainy McTrainface. pic.twitter.com/REY9lCP6jx

— Harry Wallop (@hwallop) March 22, 2016

A guard at English railway operator South West Rail is behind this one-off foolishness, which could have been some peak memery had they gone full-bore with Thomas The Tank Engine coverings. 

The premise of a jovial commercial train network is also somewhat less enticing than a legitimately important ship being named fkn Boaty. 

Moreover, internet denizens have brought up some compelling reasons for the ship to be christened as such, including the potential marketing and science-promoting tie-ins. 

Can you imagine a child being disinterested in the possible Animated Adventures Of Boaty McBoatface as she roams the ocean blue? Thought not. 

The closing date for the ship’s name suggestions is April 19, while the expiration date on all imitators is yet to be seen. Carry on, planet. Or not. 

Source: Mashable / Matthew Fifield / Twitter. 
Photo: Matthew Fifield / Twitter.