STREAMLINERS RACE TO THE NORTH: LMS "Coronation Scot" vs LNER "Coronation"

Until the nationalisation of Britain's railways in 1948, there was a fierce rivalry between the companies operating the West Coast Mainline and the East Coast Mainline from London to Scotland. This resulted in several incarnations of the "Races to the North" from London to Scotland.

Arguably the climax with the most spectacular, powerful and fastest trains was with the streamlined "Coronation Scot" and "Coronation" services operated by the LMS and LNER respectively.

Running from London Euston to Glasgow Central, the flagship LMS train using Staniers mighty Princess Coronation pacifics, stopped only briefly at Carlisle for a crew change. Meanwhile the LNER's London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley service was non-stop and was made possible with the famous corridor tenders attached to the brand new A4 steam locomotives. This meant that a relief crew could relax and "ride on the cushions" back in the train before relieving their colleagues for the onward journey.

Ever since, its been widely debated which was the better / faster train, and this will continue without conclusion, as neither company could claim actual victory (both trains arrived at different destinations).

Of course the LNER A4's went on to claim and retain the world speed record with legendary 4468 "Mallard" attaining 126mph. But then the Princess Coronation's were undoubtedly more powerful locomotives as they had the disadvantage of having to tackle the northern sections of the WCML with its twisting bends and fearsome climbs of Shap and Beattock. Relatively speaking, the ECML that the A4's operated on was a race track and many believe that a Princess Coronation / Duchess could have snatched Mallard's record away if it had the proper opportunity down Stoke Bank.

I personally believe that both companies were the winner, especially their marketing departments. The Coronation Scot and Coronation fast became icons of world steam and Art Deco styling.

Although not aiming to be prototypical, this fast paced video is a bit of fun that attempts to recreate the speed and drama of steam locomotives working hard and fast. Of course the 2 different trains were perhaps only just about within whistling distance of each other at Euston and Kings Cross, and as far as I know would never be in sight of one another. But they do make a stirring sight and sound hurtling around the layout with some parallel running.

Both of these locos are the superb Hornby models, and both have been visiting Neville Grove for weathering. The beautiful 4490 "Empire of India" was also renamed, numbered and rebranded with silver digits and letters for Ashley of @LNER_steam This was one of the 5 A4's dedicated to "The Coronation" and included silver trims and handrails that have been faithfully added here. With this loco, Ashley now has all 5 of the Coronation A4's in his collection, and many more besides. Do make sure to check out his fantastic new YouTube channel:    / @lner_steam  

All we need now is for Hornby to announce the complete matching "Coronation" train complete with the streamlined "Beavertail" observation car that brought up the rear of each rake.

6220 "Coronation" along with the matching and complete "Coronation Scot" is a stunning train. Recently released by Hornby, this has again been treated to some polished weathering to give a well looked after but used appearance. I will definitely produce more videos of this sublime model in the near future!

Archive sound used in this video was recorded by Peter Handford and features courtesy of Old Thundridge records.