1959
67 years ago
ClosureUnited Kingdom
Last steam-hauled express on the Great Northern
British Railways
London
June 27, 1959
Summary
British Railways ran its final scheduled steam-hauled express passenger train on the East Coast Main Line out of King's Cross.
Full Story
June 27, 1959, saw the end of an era when British Railways operated the last regular steam-hauled express passenger service from London King's Cross on the Great Northern route. The train, hauled by an A4 Pacific locomotive, marked the transition to diesel power under the 1955 Modernisation Plan. Enthusiasts lined the tracks to witness the historic run. This change improved reliability and speed but ended the romantic age of steam on one of Britain's premier main lines, paving the way for the high-speed InterCity 125 trains decades later.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- June 27, 1959
- Event Type
- Closure
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Years Ago
- 67
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