Steam in the Kings Cross Area in the 50s & 60s

For our first WGC meeting of the year, we welcomed David Percival with his presentation “Steam in the Kings Cross Area in the 50’s & 60’s”. David also attracted our largest attendance since we changed venue nine months ago. We started the afternoon with A4 60028 on the inaugural run from London of “The Elizabethan” in 1953. This was followed by a look at the varied loco’s on local services working to Cambridge, Peterborough and other local destinations. The first run of “The Talisman” was next, with 60025 Falcon.
A look at varied freight services followed, also showing some unusual traction for this area such as 02 & 04 class engines. On another occasion David highlighted the B16 loco’s which only visited the area a dozen or so times a year. We also saw shots of the “Childrens Party Express” run for local companies to Finsbury Park, for the panto at Finsbury Park Empire, along with some “Butlin’s Express’s” to Skegness. David showed views of the final runs of 60103 Flying Scotsman.
We finished the afternoon with a selection of photo’s of the A4’s in the local area, a few more of 60021 Wild Swan, as it was David’s favourite. A really fascinating afternoon.

Dave Elsdon
Branch Secretary