East Coast Main Line Memories 1975 - 2008

A double-disc DVD. Disc 1 our visit to the East Coast Main Line starts at Kings Cross in 1975 when all trains were diesel-powered. Mainline services were in the hands of the iconic Deltics, and Class 47’s, with the occasional visiting Peak. Suburban services were provided by DMU’s and Class 31’s, hauling compartment stock. We see the electrification of the suburban services, including the Finsbury Park to Moorgate route, and the last Eastern Region passenger trains over the LT Widened Lines. The extensive remodeling of the approaches to Kings Cross, in the second half of the 1970s, is also featured. Moving north, there is considerable coverage of the diesel era at Doncaster, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh, and also a visit to Scarborough. At Edinburgh, we see Class 47’s operating the Glasgow ‘Push-Pull’ service. The coming of the HST’s is followed by the progressive electrification between London, Leeds, and Edinburgh, using Class 91 locomotives. Disc 2. Our story continues into the era of privatization and includes the use of Class 90 locos on Leeds services. We see the introduction of the GNER livery, plus Eurostars, and the unique Class 89 in service. Later we see Virgin HST’s and Voyagers, on Cross Country services, as well as various other liveries applied to Sprinters and Pacers. We see First Capital Connect livery replace the WAGN colors on London suburban services. Hull Trains Class 170’s and Class 222’s are featured, as well as leased Class 180’s. Grand Central’s new service to Sunderland is seen at Kings Cross. Finally, we see the GNER livery modified, and subsequently replaced, following the takeover of the franchise by National Express - East Coast in 2007.