The LNER Encyclopedia

Im working in London at the moment and find myself involved in several rail related projects. This morning i have had an opportunity to wander round Kings cross both up front and behind the scenes. Its amazing whats happening in the offices with some original features, metalwork etc being boxed in and protected ready to be reincorporated in the refurbished structure. What i cant get through my head was the lack of spotters. I timed my visit for ten o clock and there were more people photographing themselves up against a sign which said platform 9 3/4 than watching the departure of arguablly the best known train in the world.
Anyway back to the cross on Monday for a load test on a new goods lift in the refurbished building so between times i have a couple of hours to kill wandering round. Pity theres no steam due in.

The lack of real enthusiasts may have something to do with the attitude of the security staff there. I have been told in the recent past that photography is only permissable from the concourse (very useful- not!) and from posts on other forums I am not alone in receiving this advice.

I am not one of those people who wishes to get involved in arguments with "jobsworths", I just dont bother going there.

John

Beware of anthrax in the plasterwork!

If a railway enthusiast did get past the semi detached polit bureau, is there anything worth seeing on the railway? Retorical question really....

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Yes Micky, it is very strange going to Lynn direct from Kings Cross. However, my Dad lives in Downham Market and thinks the service is great - mainly because it is fast to Kings Cross from Cambridge. Not quite a Buffet Express, but a modern day equivalent?

I presume that with KX having less line congestion for outer suburban services, the West Norfolk service can be pathed more easily to that terminus? But I may be wrong.

I think it was possible in the distant past to get there from Kings Cross, via Peterborough and Sutton Bridge but I presume it was a lengthy journey even by through carriage, and the Liverpool Street service would have been much quicker, but far less quaint than rattling along the M&GN behind a Flying Pig.

It is just a shame that they closed the Hunstanton branch, because summer "bucket and spade" specials to the seaside resort would have livened Kings Cross up a bit in the holiday season.

John

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....and yet, in a development that seemed to sum up the deliberate sabotaging of sensible rail services by the Treasury; when the initial suburban electrification was authorised in the mid-70s, the wires only went as far as Royston and passengers had to transfer to an old Cravens 2-car dmu for the last 14 miles to Cambridge.

I gather that the excuse was, the part beyond Royston could not produce the 7% return on capital investment that the civil servants insisted was a prerequisite to said investment.

I call it madness.

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My visits to Kings X were restricted to a few days on December 1960 while from oop north staying with relatives in St.Albans. At least I saw Thompsons attractive Pacifics, machines I never saw when visiting Leeds or York.

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As one who has travelled to the X, worked in and from it all my 7 decades, I feel rather disappointed that it's found by some to be so yawny boring. I only pass through it nowadays, apart from taking the odd photo, (unmolested so far) and keeping an eye on the great rebuilding that's changed the old place so completely from the Kings Cross that I grew up in. But, thinking about it and the other London termini, is it THAT boring ? Trouble is it's so much smaller than the others, I suppose, especially for the vitally important route it serves, which in itself is impeded by Welwyn viaduct and tunnels. Is this what makes it boring ?

Our 'boring' 91s are unique, the Mark IV coaches are much more roomy than those strange outdoor tube-trains that run out of Euston - although I am the first to say that Mark III coaches are more ergonomic, more comfortable - and now we have three varieties of 'Adelante' - including Grand Central's 'Darth Vadas'.

Surely, even making allowances for my inevitable prejudice, dear old Kings Cross isn't THAT boring ???

Kings Cross Addict. Bring back the clock on platform 10 - oops, sorry 8

G'day Gents

Is the clock still there??????


manna

manna wrote:G'day Gents

Is the clock still there??????


manna

No mate, went when the footbridge was removed a while back. The clock tower on top of the building is still there, though!

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