It may not be Boaty McBoatface, but TasRail's new electric mover is set to turn heads with an unusual title.

After a public callout for names, a panel of judges sifted through about 400 entries including 'Sir Shunt a Lot' and 'Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Pully Pushy Train Machinery' but unanimously agreed on 'Bunter the Shunter'.

The German-made electric shunter rolled into action on Friday at a naming ceremony in Tasmania's north-west.

A shunter is a small vehicle which is used to move trains between yards and platforms.

The rhyming name has a serious side.

It was suggested in honour of train driver Peter Shaw, who was affectionately known as Billy Bunter.

Mr Shaw tragically died of cancer 10 years ago, aged 42.

Train named in honour of former driver

The unveiling ceremony in Burnie was an emotional moment for Greens Beach resident Sally Rossiter, who entered the winning name.

"This is about having a part of Peter live on, his memory continue. It's fitting, he was dedicated and just the kind of chap everyone liked," she said.

Winning entrant Sally Rossiter helps TasRail chief executive Damien White reveal the new name. ( ABC News: Henry Zwartz )

Mrs Rossiter said Mr Shaw was very passionate about rail in Tasmania.

"I think he would have loved it, he had a great sense of humour," she said.

The shunter has a 600-tonne towing capacity and is 4.5 metres long.

It will move trains to a new underfloor wheel lathe which is used to repair train wheels.

TasRail chief executive Damien White said the new electric shunter and wheel lathe cost $5.5 million.

"TasRail was happy with the overwhelming response from the community following our callout for a name," he said.

Other memorable names that missed the cut included "George W Push", "Shunter S Thompson", and, of course, "Shunty McShunt Face".