First Great Western named MTU power car No. 43021 David Austin Cartoonist in a ceremony at London Paddington on 22 January 2007. The plates was unveiled by John Austin’s widow Janet, watched by members of his family, including children and grandchildren, plus many friends.

David Austin was a self taught artist and had his work published from 1970 in the Mail on Sunday, Daily Telegraph, New Scientist and Spectator. He is probably most famous for his front page sketch for the Guardian and his comic strip in Private Eye, which ran for 35 years. His last work was delivered from his hospital bed prior to his death at the age of 70 from cancer in November 2005.

David was a frequent traveller on FGW, with his family living in Exeter.

An exhibition of David’s work will be held at the Newsroon, the Guardian and Observer archive and Exhibition Centre, 60 Farringdon Road, London between 1February and 30 March 2007.

FGW worked powercar No. 43021 light from Old Oak Common to Paddington for the naming event in multiple with No. 43125.