Few London terminii have changed as much as St Pancras. From a slow decay in the 70s and 80s, it has been transformed by the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (HS1) to become the stylish stepping stone for Europe via Eurostar. Here are a few brief snippets from both eras...
Incidentally, the shots of Rocket deserve a little explaination. In March 1980, the Post Office decided to commemorate the 150th anniversary of mail being carried by train between Liverpool and Manchester with the issue of five new 1st class stamps (priced at 12p each!!), all with a railway theme. A replica of Rocket lifted into position at the Cambridge St diesel stabling point, and as a press 'event', allowed to steam into the station on 3 March. The photocall was reported in several national newspapers. Elsewhere, Jimmy Carter was US President and mortgage rates were approx 15%!
Incidentally, the shots of Rocket deserve a little explaination. In March 1980, the Post Office decided to commemorate the 150th anniversary of mail being carried by train between Liverpool and Manchester with the issue of five new 1st class stamps (priced at 12p each!!), all with a railway theme. A replica of Rocket lifted into position at the Cambridge St diesel stabling point, and as a press 'event', allowed to steam into the station on 3 March. The photocall was reported in several national newspapers. Elsewhere, Jimmy Carter was US President and mortgage rates were approx 15%!
Sad somewhat to think that where this proud loco once stood is now a champagne bar. In happier days in the late 1970s 45 119 sits at the buffer stops at St Pancras.
Sad somewhat to think that where this proud loco once stood is now a champagne bar. In happier days in the late 1970s 45 119 sits at the buffer stops at St Pancras.
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