Talk:South Devon Railway Dido class

Hero

I find it odd that all of these locomotives were named for specific persons or things (in the case of the Argo) except for the Hero, which we identify as being named for "an idealised character in mythology or folklore." The Victorians knew classical history and mythology very well. Is it possible that this locomotive was named after this Hero? It's a name that would fit well with Dido, since they were both lovers whose love ended badly. Or perhaps it was named after this Hero, who created the first steam-powered device. This would surely be a good name for a steam-powered locomotive. Are there sources for why these locomotives got these names, or are the explanations in the article just our best guesses? Dsmdgold (talk) 15:34, 18 February 2008 (UTC)

There is little to be found in the railway records (held at The National Archives in Kew) that explain the naming policy at this time. There is a logic to most broad gauge classes and so I think Leander's Hero would make sense, but I do like the idea of Hero of Alexandria – thanks! Geof Sheppard (talk) 08:18, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

Glad to be of help. Most of my kowledge of British steam engines comes from watching Thomas the Tank Engine with my kids. I didn't want to jump in and make a muddle based on my own suppositions. Dsmdgold (talk) 02:14, 20 February 2008 (UTC)