When the first BR 'pilot scheme' main line diesel locomotives appeared in the late 1950s they were generally painted in traditional Brunswick green.
Some classes sported a more imaginative, pleasing two-tone green livery while the Western Region opted for maroon for its 'Warships' and 'Westerns' following a poll among the general public.
In 1965 the British Railways Board decided on a new corporate image and adopted Rail blue as the standard colour for its locomotive fleet together with a new double arrow symbol. In 1978 it was agreed that a further change was desirable and selected classes were repainted with a large logo and full wrap round yellow nose ends or cab fronts, the first machine to be treated being Class 56 No.56036.