A Steamy Morning At Kings Cross Station
I had wondered why there was a train to Norwich on the destination board at Kings Cross station.
This is the reason why.
A couple of times in the 1950s or 1960s, I went to Ipswich from London by train with a Britannia Class at the front. I wonder if I was ever hauled by Oliver Cromwell.
I am not a particular enthusiast for steam trains, but they are very much part of the world’s technological heritage. I do think it as pity though, that we didn’t save more for posterity, as the enthusiasm they generate, is something that many of us need more of. It might even inspire more students to be the future engineers, we definitely need in this country and in fact most of the world.
It is also amazing to see a 1950s-designed steam locomotive amongst all of the high speed electrics, at possibly the best recently refurbished station in the world.
Imagine the excitement and probable increase in tourism, if every Saturday, we could see a vintage locomotive steam out of Kings Cross. The demand is probably there, but I doubt we have enough reliable main-line steam engines to provide such a spectacle. Remember that steam locomotives are not noted for their reliability.
Kings Cross Station In The Morning
As I left Kings Cross station at around eight this morning, I got a good view of the station and the square in front, in the morning light.
The morning is always the best time.
Although, as I returned tonight, the floodlit station looked even more magnificent.
What was the train to Norwich doing in the station?
Kings Cross Square Welcomed In Vancouver
This report about the opening of Kings Cross Square appeared in The Province.
But then George Vancouver would these days take a train from Kings Cross to get to his birthplace at Kings Lynn.
The New Waiting Room At Kings Cross Station
I returned to Kings Cross Square to take a few more pictures.
It would appear that the public has got the hang of the new square and is using it as a waiting room.
Everybody seemed very happy with the square and the sunshine.
One of the East Coast crew jokingly moaned about the lack of anybody selling ice cream. But who’d have thought that they’d be selling ice cream in front of Kings Cross station. They don’t yet, but the area today was a good sun-trap.
The Queues In The Underground At Kings Cross St. Pancras
I came through Kings Cross St. Pancras Underground station on Friday afternoon and the queues at the ticket office, were enormous, as they often are at that time of the week.
The Queues In The Underground At Kings Cross St. Pancras
I suppose one problem is that many people off the Eurostar from Paris or Brussels don’t have any British money or an Oyster card. But as this page says, you can buy Oyster cards on Eurostar.
Kings Cross Station
I took this picture of Kings Cross station from the balcony in front of St. Pancras station.
Kings Cross Station
It’s all coming together, with the new square, which should make Kings Cross into one of the best stations in the world.
They’re Filling The Big Hole At Kings Cross
I took these pictures from South Eastern’s platform 13 at St. Pancras of the new Kings Cross development. The last time, I looked at it, it was just a big hole.
Judging by the developer’s web site, it will be some place.
Sensible Station Opening Hours
I saw this notice at Kings Cross station yesterday.
Sensible Station Opening Hours
Copenhagen please note!
Completing Kings Cross
I took these pictures this morning, as they were completing Kings Cross station.
The new Great Northern Hotel looks particularly impressive.
Lost In Kings Cross Station
The new Kings Cross station may look very good, but the Underground station seems to have been designed as an incomprehensible labyrinth.
Tonight, I got on a Victoria line train at Oxford Circus and needed to change to the Northern line at Kings cross for the Angel. Unfortunately, I tiook the wrong exit from the platform and ended up walking a lot longer than I should down pedestrian tunnels and up and down stairs.
But I eventually made it and got a 38 bus at the Angel to bring me home.
I’ll be glad, when Crossrail is finished, so that I can get home a lot easier.
The Anonymous Widower 