Roundel Design Group took inspiration from aircraft squadron markings, distinct and visible from a distance, which would also look well even when soiled.

[4] The rebranding extended beyond just rolling stock and locomotives: signage, depots and vehicles also received the new paint schemes and logos to tie the sectors together.

[7] The Railfreight sector was immediately identifiable through the introduction of a new 'Railfreight Grey' livery, which was revealed in 1982 alongside one of the new Class 58 locomotives for which it was originally developed.

This new colour scheme was very distinctive on the British network, as it represented the first clear break from the universal application of variations of Rail Blue for 15 years.

[4] Some of the monocoque locomotives briefly acquired a red stripe in 1987; however, following the creation of Trainload Freight and Railfreight Distribution in 1987, they were soon repainted in the new sub-sector two-tone grey livery with appropriate decals.

After some reworking, the design for the modified livery was finalised in March 1993; it revised the proportions of the grey sections and changed the roof colour slightly.