I can recall those wonderful days of my youth, standing at the end of the Kings Cross platform and the thrill I used to get when I heard the melodeous whistle of the A4 Pacific entering the station, this video still gives me shiver when i hear the unmistakeable sound of it's whistle - a great video.
An epic piece of film, absolutely loved it- don't think I've ever seen mainline footplate before! So smooth and quiet too I'm amazed...the beauties of a trailing truck!
@chappybolo im 62 used to be a train spotter these would go through hornsey station on the north run in 1960s.a fantastic sight .still remember them like yesterday
Still the most incredible video on RUclips in my eyes. She rides so smoothly and the atmosphere is superb. A real gem that I watch on a weekly basis, I can only dream of ever experiencing this sort of power. Keep them coming!
I love this video. Storming through the suburbs of London as evening draws in. Outside it's getting chill and dark while inside the cab its hot with an orange glow! The camaraderie. Makes me want to drive it myself! I just wish the video was longer!
forget winning the lottery all i have ever wanted to do is ride on any A4 footplate on east coast main line this video is fantastic just wish i was in ron smiths shoes dreaming till the day i die. still puts a lump in my throat simply magic.
Reported elsewhere by self, but probably Ca. 1963 I accompanied my father (this, officially with a special pass as I was too young to be left alone overnight - as mum was in hospital, seriously ill) who accompanied many "Out-of-Gauge" special freight trains, generally in an additional guard's van immediately behind the loco. Nearing midnight, a J39 class shunted the train out of Head, Wrightson's sidings adjacent to Thornaby station, ran-round and then proceeded along "The Cuckoo" line (as it was known) towards Ferryhill. However, the 0-6-0 soon "failed" attempting to haul a number of such heavily laden bogie wagons carrying girders for the Forth Road Bridge and we waited not very far from my alma mater (Grangefield Grammar). After the J39 (possibly 64923) limped away, she was replaced by an 'A4' Pacific - none other than 60001 'Sir Ronald Matthews' which hauled this train to I believe Heaton. She uncoupled and ran us back to opposite Newcastle Central, where dad and I had to step over several 'live' DC rails to reach the platforms. Whilst it was arguably silly to miss a footplate ride, I enjoyed looking at that large swaying tender. Wonderful days - and then living in Newlands Road overlooking the railway and Yarm 'tunnel', I saw very many Pacifics on the frequent Sunday "Diversions".
@banjokitten, I briefly got that impression too, but I feel it's very doubtful, and on reviewing it, I suspect there is two-way signalling on the right-hand line, and the red signal appears ro be for the right-hand track.
I've driven OL49 69 into Poznan and that was a dream come true (and then run around to the turntable and backed down for the return trip) but not as fast or smooth as this. I love pedigree British express engines. Real class. Polish lumps made out of recycled soviet WW2 tanks will have to suffice for me.
Was filmed in the making of Sir Nigel Gresley on the Mainline. Have a look at bntproductions website - the DVD is available. Thanks for the comments - it's quite a ride on an A4 at high speed! P.
Thanks for the comments. That whistle, - it's a post war re-make of the original Crosby Chime whistles fitted to A4's. Those whistles were taken off and scrapped in WW2 because they could be confused for Air Raid Alerts. The newer ones are like those fitted to BR Standard Britannia locos. A tip - take a listen to the whistle now fitted on 60163 Tornado (until Christmas) - its a Crosby original and much deeper in tone. And it's owned by my buddy.
Actually it was on a hand-held Ikegami camera, shot on DVCam stock. Combination of the skill of cameraman Keith Massey and a very smooth running restored A4. She does ride very well, though we found the Settle-Carlisle route to be a more testing ride - more on that to come hopefully. P.
@GMCobh Just watched it again - and I think there could have been another track which ran directly under that light - the distance between the side of the train and the ballast between the two tracks is an uncertain distance from that angle, and makes it appear as though that could have been the signal - but then of course it's on the wrong side of the cab for normal electric and diesel trains, so the latter has to be the case.
@banjokitten, I don't know the line at all, so I'm not really qualified to talk. However, it looks to me, from the video, that shortly after the red signal is to be seen, I see a track on the right-hand side of the loco. I'm assuming that the signals on the left-hand side would be the ones governing the approach for this train.
@GMCobh I thought that the slow line into Kings Cross was more like a flyover...it's been a long time since I've been through that way and looked out on that side...
Hi, thanks for the comments. Yes it's more material from the shoot for the DVD Sir Nigel Gresley on the Mainline. If you like the footplate stuff on No.7 there's also Sir Nigel Gresley over the Settle-Carlisle. www.qleap.co.uk
@Pesmog Depends on if the camera operator is experience in operating in that field - such as on a shaky steam loco cab at 75mph. For example when they film 'Deadliest Catch' for Discovery, they choose camera operators who have sea legs.
Poor No14 in my case. The greatest preservation tragedy was the loss of the prototype (and in many opinions the finest) A4. Was there, sitting around at Doncaster during the 62=63 winter, just waiting to be saved :-(
@paullubliner In reply to your concern over the Crosby chime whistle fitted to 60163 before Christmas. The whistle it carried from early November until the loco entered York at Christmas is in fact a genuine early 4 inch Crosby Chime whistle. If you wish I can email you photos of the wording on it! I have checked the dimensions of my whistle against a Britannia and two genuine A4 chime whistles and the Crosby does differ by up to an inch in the length of the organ pipes, giving lower tone
Sorry for replying to a five-year old post, but in the DVD 'The Power of the A4s', there is a moment when No7 has its normal whistle swapped to a pre-war one. The sound is somewhat deeper, and much richer.
@dslaidlaw89 When Silver Link made her first run with 7 coaches after being built, she was cruising at 112 mph for mile after mile. The engineers & technicians present in the coaches were being thrown all over the place, with crockery falling off the tables. Sir Nigel Gresley joked about the state of the track, & went through to the locomotive footplate to tell the driver to slow down. The crew had no idea of the rough riding behind, as all was smooth & serene on the footplate.
@dslaidlaw89 On the original Silver Link run, at well over 100 mph, the VIP passengers were being thrown all over the carriages, with plates & cutlery on the floor. Sir Nigel Gresley walked through the corridor tender to the footplate, to put a restraining hand on the drivers shoulder, only to be told that the crew had no idea of the passengers discomfort, as the A4 engine was riding so serenely!!
In 1965 I was a five year old and I remember seeing steam trains in mainline stations and I thought it was normal. They were 'Trains'. No diesel no matter how streamlined has ever come close to the 'feeling of steam'...
That famous rail writer, OS Nock, records that when Silver Link took the first Silver Jubilee train for a press run she reached 112 mph 'with no special effort' on just about level track near Sandy/St Neotts. Did 100 mph over 35+ miles. (A4s designed to go v fast with 6/7 coaches) The engine ran v smoothly. But riding in the carriages was 'lively' with Gresley joking about the state of the track. Eventually someone went to tell the driver to slow down! Superb engines then, supberb now.
The A4s were noted for their superb riding qualities, easily being the best riding of all of the "big" engines. The A1s were notable for being a bit on the lively side.
Hello Paullubliner - Re the Crosby whistle which was fitted to Tornado before Christmas. Let me bring in my colleague who owns it, and loaned it to the A1 Trust. I'll ask him to join the thread. It is genuine and did come from across the Atlantic, though it would be difficult to make comparison with those removed in World War II.
Is there anything to compare with the allure of steam ? No wonder every young boy wanted to be a train driver. What a fabulous video of some very privileged people making the day more enjoyable.
@paullubliner Will do. My colleague Peter hopefully will soon help on this. There are videos existant on it, and he'll be able to give more information about the difference in the Crosby to the (BR) 1950's manufactured 'A4' chime previously on 60163, and those on Britannia locos ...
For those of you that saw the Top gear Tornado footage, that was far more shaky and less professional than this even with the resources of the BBC. I think that emphasises what a great piece of film this is.
One day i hope to be doing that, im only 12 at the moment so it wont be for a while! How do you become a steam train driver because i want to become one on the east lancs railway :)
If it be possible, please God let me take the train to heaven - from King's Cross, drawn by the A4 of my choice - 60021 Wild Swan. No reason - I just LOVE the name!
@WhyAyeMann i would love to operate a company with a railway link and so on but i dont see myself running a company :/ but i can just do part time voulenteering on my local heritage line. its a shame that they hardly run steam round you, its the same up in north west england, its all down south at the moment but in the summer there will be about 2-3 a week. thanks for the advice :)
@adam4bfc The best thing to do Adam, is to go to your local heritage railway - maybe East Lancs, and become a junior volunteer. There are lots of jobs to do, and just like in BR steam days they used to work up gradually from being a cleaner to past cleaner to trainee fireman and so on. Be patient, and good luck ...
Not sure on the main line but they are limited to 25mph on heritage lines. I do know that Tornado the new build engine has gone 100mph on the main line but not sure if thats the speed allowed by others.
Cameraman was probly using a steadycam or something, I dont think any engine can run that smoothly even on welded track. Smashing vid tho, stop dreamin and start steamin!
@paullubliner - having seen said whistle up close many times, until it was replaced recently for a P2's whistle, it was confirmed to me as an original, and having been fitted to "Golden Eagle" pre-war. The sound of any whistle is reliant on its working pressure, and who is pulling the cord and how. Footage from 1935 will not have the same clarity of sound as that recorded in the modern day in any event. I sincerely doubt that the whistle's heritage is in question from those "in the know".
I didn't realise that the resources of Top Gear could be so poor. This video is good but no disrespect a long way from the reality of 1934 Sparshatt. We will never know what it was like with his 'A1' under 2 hours 50 minutes to Leeds, with marks check-rails leaving King's Cross.
I think it's paranoia over the age of the locomotives, which is valid up to a point, but they are tremendously well maintained these days (bet they didn't have fit to run certs in the 60s!), and the stresses and strains found at 80/90/100 are not greatly increased on those at 75. I suppose fear of hammerblow which the modern rail and ballast methods just aren't designed for has a part to play as well- but if that's the case, why let Tornado do 90? If they do, that is...
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I can recall those wonderful days of my youth, standing at the end of the Kings Cross platform and the thrill I used to get when I heard the melodeous whistle of the A4 Pacific entering the station, this video still gives me shiver when i hear the unmistakeable sound of it's whistle - a great video.
Thank you very much for your top class brilliant video regards kevin😊
An epic piece of film, absolutely loved it- don't think I've ever seen mainline footplate before! So smooth and quiet too I'm amazed...the beauties of a trailing truck!
Woked on locomotives all my life, can't get over how smooth the ride appears to be at such speed. What a wonderful locomotive!
@chappybolo im 62 used to be a train spotter these would go through hornsey station on the north run in 1960s.a fantastic sight .still remember them like yesterday
Still the most incredible video on RUclips in my eyes. She rides so smoothly and the atmosphere is superb. A real gem that I watch on a weekly basis, I can only dream of ever experiencing this sort of power. Keep them coming!
Nice video, thanks. The firebox glow and the speed are remarkable.
I was on the footplate of SNG about 15 years ago when it was in residence at the Great Central Railway in Leicester. Magnificent loco!
Wow! That's quite a look from inside the cab at track speed! Awesome! 5/5 Rich
I love this video. Storming through the suburbs of London as evening draws in. Outside it's getting chill and dark while inside the cab its hot with an orange glow! The camaraderie. Makes me want to drive it myself! I just wish the video was longer!
forget winning the lottery all i have ever wanted to do is ride on any A4 footplate on east coast main line this video is fantastic just wish i was in ron smiths shoes dreaming till the day i die. still puts a lump in my throat simply magic.
Well worthy of five stars, thanks for showing
Ron took us on the Scarborough spa with Tangmere on the previous bank holiday monday 26th, great one
Imagine the experience fireman Bray & driver Duddington had on Mallard with another 50mph on top!!
Holy shit. i never knew it would be that scary on a A4 footplate. i rarely swear on here but that was truly awesome!
This is exsactly the kind of speed I am trying to express through my video! This is very well done. Absolutely brilliant!
An amazingly smooth and quiet footplate ride compared to some others I have seen. Well done nice piece of film.
Big Ron on the regulator. . . "Did you like that?" Superb!
A reference to the equally-great and much lamented Fred Dibnah, a TV idol I know well. Regards, Samuel.
Nice shot of Barnet station,one of my many locospotters haunts.Cant beat a steam locomotive at speed in its natural enviroment...Magic.
Reported elsewhere by self, but probably Ca. 1963 I accompanied my father (this, officially with a special pass as I was too young to be left alone overnight - as mum was in hospital, seriously ill) who accompanied many "Out-of-Gauge" special freight trains, generally in an additional guard's van immediately behind the loco. Nearing midnight, a J39 class shunted the train out of Head, Wrightson's sidings adjacent to Thornaby station, ran-round and then proceeded along "The Cuckoo" line (as it was known) towards Ferryhill. However, the 0-6-0 soon "failed" attempting to haul a number of such heavily laden bogie wagons carrying girders for the Forth Road Bridge and we waited not very far from my alma mater (Grangefield Grammar). After the J39 (possibly 64923) limped away, she was replaced by an 'A4' Pacific - none other than 60001 'Sir Ronald Matthews' which hauled this train to I believe Heaton. She uncoupled and ran us back to opposite Newcastle Central, where dad and I had to step over several 'live' DC rails to reach the platforms. Whilst it was arguably silly to miss a footplate ride, I enjoyed looking at that large swaying tender. Wonderful days - and then living in Newlands Road overlooking the railway and Yarm 'tunnel', I saw very many Pacifics on the frequent Sunday "Diversions".
Is there anything better than one of Gresley's finest under the canopy at King's Cross? Terrific video, thank you for posting it.
@banjokitten, I briefly got that impression too, but I feel it's very doubtful, and on reviewing it, I suspect there is two-way signalling on the right-hand line, and the red signal appears ro be for the right-hand track.
I've driven OL49 69 into Poznan and that was a dream come true (and then run around to the turntable and backed down for the return trip) but not as fast or smooth as this. I love pedigree British express engines. Real class. Polish lumps made out of recycled soviet WW2 tanks will have to suffice for me.
Thanks Matt. The whole Gresley on the Mainline project has been a great experience. The DVD will be out in the first week of November.
Was filmed in the making of Sir Nigel Gresley on the Mainline. Have a look at bntproductions website - the DVD is available. Thanks for the comments - it's quite a ride on an A4 at high speed! P.
What an excellent piece of work..thanks..5*..Bob
Thanks for the comments. That whistle, - it's a post war re-make of the original Crosby Chime whistles fitted to A4's. Those whistles were taken off and scrapped in WW2 because they could be confused for Air Raid Alerts. The newer ones are like those fitted to BR Standard Britannia locos. A tip - take a listen to the whistle now fitted on 60163 Tornado (until Christmas) - its a Crosby original and much deeper in tone. And it's owned by my buddy.
Such a beauty gives the Life a sweet taste . Thanks 4 sharing it
I have been in the cab of this engine and its wonderful, Great video! :)
.........."well, it was a dream, really" - yes it was Ron. and you made it! Well Done; God Bless you all.
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
Yes the sequence is featured in Sir Nigel Gresley on the Mainline on DVD
Actually it was on a hand-held Ikegami camera, shot on DVCam stock. Combination of the skill of cameraman Keith Massey and a very smooth running restored A4. She does ride very well, though we found the Settle-Carlisle route to be a more testing ride - more on that to come hopefully. P.
Thanks Rich - Great loco and great crew behind it ! P.
Thanks, for that fine cab ride !
She's impressive from the footplate as well -Thanks for your comments. Find more Gresley on the Mainline through the bnt website. P
Lucky blighters on the footplate !!
@GMCobh Just watched it again - and I think there could have been another track which ran directly under that light - the distance between the side of the train and the ballast between the two tracks is an uncertain distance from that angle, and makes it appear as though that could have been the signal - but then of course it's on the wrong side of the cab for normal electric and diesel trains, so the latter has to be the case.
@banjokitten, I don't know the line at all, so I'm not really qualified to talk. However, it looks to me, from the video, that shortly after the red signal is to be seen, I see a track on the right-hand side of the loco. I'm assuming that the signals on the left-hand side would be the ones governing the approach for this train.
@GMCobh I thought that the slow line into Kings Cross was more like a flyover...it's been a long time since I've been through that way and looked out on that side...
Hi, thanks for the comments. Yes it's more material from the shoot for the DVD Sir Nigel Gresley on the Mainline. If you like the footplate stuff on No.7 there's also Sir Nigel Gresley over the Settle-Carlisle. www.qleap.co.uk
@Pesmog Depends on if the camera operator is experience in operating in that field - such as on a shaky steam loco cab at 75mph. For example when they film 'Deadliest Catch' for Discovery, they choose camera operators who have sea legs.
Poor No14 in my case. The greatest preservation tragedy was the loss of the prototype (and in many opinions the finest) A4. Was there, sitting around at Doncaster during the 62=63 winter, just waiting to be saved :-(
Yep.. and they wanted £3000 for her !!!!
Fantastic --saw it last night at Grantham and thought it was AWESOME. As the driver said--Did you enjoy that ? OH YES
We certainly did thank you...
what a brilliant movie!!!
@paullubliner In reply to your concern over the Crosby chime whistle fitted to 60163 before Christmas. The whistle it carried from early November until the loco entered York at Christmas is in fact a genuine early 4 inch Crosby Chime whistle. If you wish I can email you photos of the wording on it! I have checked the dimensions of my whistle against a Britannia and two genuine A4 chime whistles and the Crosby does differ by up to an inch in the length of the organ pipes, giving lower tone
Sorry for replying to a five-year old post, but in the DVD 'The Power of the A4s', there is a moment when No7 has its normal whistle swapped to a pre-war one. The sound is somewhat deeper, and much richer.
I've had a return cab ride on that from Pickering-Whitby.
@dslaidlaw89 When Silver Link made her first run with 7 coaches after being built, she was cruising at 112 mph for mile after mile. The engineers & technicians present in the coaches were being thrown all over the place, with crockery falling off the tables. Sir Nigel Gresley joked about the state of the track, & went through to the locomotive footplate to tell the driver to slow down. The crew had no idea of the rough riding behind, as all was smooth & serene on the footplate.
Thanks Bob. The DVD is out now - more similar good stuff. P.
@dslaidlaw89 On the original Silver Link run, at well over 100 mph, the VIP passengers were being thrown all over the carriages, with plates & cutlery on the floor. Sir Nigel Gresley walked through the corridor tender to the footplate, to put a restraining hand on the drivers shoulder, only to be told that the crew had no idea of the passengers discomfort, as the A4 engine was riding so serenely!!
In 1965 I was a five year old and I remember seeing steam trains in mainline stations and I thought it was normal. They were 'Trains'. No diesel no matter how streamlined has ever come close to the 'feeling of steam'...
great footage
That famous rail writer, OS Nock, records that when Silver Link took the first Silver Jubilee train for a press run she reached 112 mph 'with no special effort' on just about level track near Sandy/St Neotts. Did 100 mph over 35+ miles. (A4s designed to go v fast with 6/7 coaches)
The engine ran v smoothly. But riding in the carriages was 'lively' with Gresley joking about the state of the track. Eventually someone went to tell the driver to slow down!
Superb engines then, supberb now.
how did u get to do that thats cool
Thank you for this I have tweeted a link to it @UKSteamTrains . Cheers! Albert.
The A4s were noted for their superb riding qualities, easily being the best riding of all of the "big" engines. The A1s were notable for being a bit on the lively side.
I have the LP of sir Nigel gresleys 1959 Run from kings cross to Doncaster and back touching 112mph with bill hoole driving
Hello Paullubliner - Re the Crosby whistle which was fitted to Tornado before Christmas. Let me bring in my colleague who owns it, and loaned it to the A1 Trust. I'll ask him to join the thread. It is genuine and did come from across the Atlantic, though it would be difficult to make comparison with those removed in World War II.
Awesome video thanks for sharing like shared and subscribed
Is there anything to compare with the allure of steam ? No wonder every young boy wanted to be a train driver. What a fabulous video of some very privileged people making the day more enjoyable.
@paullubliner Will do. My colleague Peter hopefully will soon help on this. There are videos existant on it, and he'll be able to give more information about the difference in the Crosby to the (BR) 1950's manufactured 'A4' chime previously on 60163, and those on Britannia locos ...
I do wish that the a4s get permission to do 100mph on mainline that would be a dream come true for many steam fans including me
very true but one can still wish and dream
@chappybolo you got the dollars we got the engineers.love your country been there a few times..cheers
What happend to driver Ron Smith ?
At 1:13, did the loco commit a SPAD?
its wicked thanks
For those of you that saw the Top gear Tornado footage, that was far more shaky and less professional than this even with the resources of the BBC. I think that emphasises what a great piece of film this is.
"Did you like that"...Magic!
Riding the footplate of the A4 at speed ranks right up alongside flying in the RAF Lancaster Bomber, and driving a WW2 Sherman Tank....
Superb!!
One day i hope to be doing that, im only 12 at the moment so it wont be for a while! How do you become a steam train driver because i want to become one on the east lancs railway :)
If it be possible, please God let me take the train to heaven - from King's Cross, drawn by the A4 of my choice - 60021 Wild Swan.
No reason - I just LOVE the name!
@WhyAyeMann i would love to operate a company with a railway link and so on but i dont see myself running a company :/ but i can just do part time voulenteering on my local heritage line. its a shame that they hardly run steam round you, its the same up in north west england, its all down south at the moment but in the summer there will be about 2-3 a week. thanks for the advice :)
That is the limit. Yet there remains the prospect it being raised for locos such as 60163.
@adam4bfc The best thing to do Adam, is to go to your local heritage railway - maybe East Lancs, and become a junior volunteer. There are lots of jobs to do, and just like in BR steam days they used to work up gradually from being a cleaner to past cleaner to trainee fireman and so on. Be patient, and good luck ...
He wasn't there when I was at KX. He must be a rookie driver?
An A4 where she belongs - simmering on the buffer stops at King's Cross!
AWESOME
thats a great video
Of the preserved A4's only Mallard in her 1938 condition, warrants a Yorkshire crew... ;-)
Are all steam locos limited to 75 mph in the UK?
Not sure on the main line but they are limited to 25mph on heritage lines. I do know that Tornado the new build engine has gone 100mph on the main line but not sure if thats the speed allowed by others.
75mph is the max speed for any steam loco pulling passengers they can only go faster on steam trials/test runs
@galloway62042009 Aye - well Driver Inspector Ron is a Copley Hill, Leeds man as was his father before him.
If this loco gets approval for higher speeds, it may follow to an extent for others - A4's Duchess, 71000 ...
How the heck did you get a mainline footplate ride? I am insanely jealous, but 5 stars all the same!
I wonder if the LNER top link men all drank Evian?
Cameraman was probly using a steadycam or something, I dont think any engine can run that smoothly even on welded track. Smashing vid tho, stop dreamin and start steamin!
"Did thee like that?" Oh yes, very much indeed. Thank you!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
@paullubliner - having seen said whistle up close many times, until it was replaced recently for a P2's whistle, it was confirmed to me as an original, and having been fitted to "Golden Eagle" pre-war. The sound of any whistle is reliant on its working pressure, and who is pulling the cord and how. Footage from 1935 will not have the same clarity of sound as that recorded in the modern day in any event. I sincerely doubt that the whistle's heritage is in question from those "in the know".
the hull to honsea line
the hold honsea line to hull
She went a few miles quicker so what,Atleast 60007 still runs on the mainline
I didn't realise that the resources of Top Gear could be so poor.
This video is good but no disrespect a long way from the reality of 1934 Sparshatt. We will never know what it was like with his 'A1' under 2 hours 50 minutes to Leeds, with marks check-rails leaving King's Cross.
I think it's paranoia over the age of the locomotives, which is valid up to a point, but they are tremendously well maintained these days (bet they didn't have fit to run certs in the 60s!), and the stresses and strains found at 80/90/100 are not greatly increased on those at 75. I suppose fear of hammerblow which the modern rail and ballast methods just aren't designed for has a part to play as well- but if that's the case, why let Tornado do 90? If they do, that is...
Fred Dibnah lives!!
the old hull to honsea line
Actually, he's a Copley Hill, Leeds man. Like his father before him, on A4's
Copley Hill always reminds me of Pep A1s rather than A4s!
"did you like that",--i did,very much!!