London - Birmingham 1962

[gainsbourg66]

Most will be too young to recall the excitement this train caused. All ages would go specially to see it pass by -the only blue train on the rails - although sadly this was to change as it was almost certainly why they then painted everything blue. Ironically, rather than heralding a new age of comfort, it relaced the 'Oriental Express' pullmans! In fact, it marked the beginning of an age where everyone was forced to travel in cramped, motorised carriages with restricted views and dark windows.

[gainsbourg66]

They keep showing clocks in the film - but this was to mislead the public. Diesels were having big problems on the Western Region keeping up with the timings of steam locos like Kings and Castles - both of which were more powerful than the Blue Pulman and cost a fraction of the price. The reason for the 'milkman' uniform was to make out that Diesels were free of dirt, oil and fumes. You only have to see film of Tornado to be reminded of how clean, quiet and efficient steam can be.

[bianchikat]

loved it the music and the nostalga..didnt spot my 10 year old self at Paddington, not sure if i was on the bridge after Northolt Central Line..oh innocent days...

[Strawberry7Lynn]

Wow, that was a fantastic bit of inspiration, matching this song & footage

[nickthebike]

Great clip, Is this the new HS2?

[nickthebike]

Why is a milk man driving??

[Flashmikko]

Fantastic. It is so strange and wonderful to see the driver's point of view, especially at a time when steam locomotives (pulling passengers mind you!) were still sharing the lines with diesels. How I wish that I could go back in time to see that.

[FaerieCrone]

Hypnotic.