Stop & Examine Special
Twelve months ago, RAIL said a fond farewell to four decades of East Coast operation, when the last public run with an LNER HST terminated at King’s Cross ( RAIL 896).
A special four-day farewell tour for the East Coast Inter-City 125 fleet had been organised in support of charities the Samaritans and Campaign Against Living Miserably, and Managing Editor Nigel Harris was on board to share the experience and his memories of what he described as “Britain’s most successful modern train”.
The feature also brought back special memories for Richard Butler, from Ardrossan, who recalled seeing an IC125 pass Darlington Bank top station.
“That was a test run back in 1977 and the sight was jaw-dropping to a lad used to photographing Deltics and Peaks,” he wrote.
After a sort-out of his book collection, Richard unearthed an original Inter-City 125 promotional brochure, and sent it to us.
The brochure provides a wonderful snapshot of 1970s life - a copy of Shoot football magazine on the table, one or two interesting fashion statements, and not a mobile phone or computer in sight.
It also highlights “Newcastle to London - the shrinking journey” and profiles some of West Yorkshire’s top tourist attractions, now within easier reach of London.
“Excellent, controlled lighting in both First and Second Class coaches makes it that much easier to study your business report or relax and read your newspaper. And there’s no reason to feel cramped because the coach layout is uncluttered, giving you a feeling of spaciousness,” it says.
“And because the new Mk 3 coach is slightly longer and has modern air-sprung bogies, you’re always guaranteed the
smoothest of rides.”
The brochure concludes: “You’ll be able to take advantage of the time you save, perhaps put more meetings into your working day.
“You’ll work better and feel better, free from the stresses of motoring.
“The Journey Shrinker will give you scope for greater enjoyment of your leisure, bringing you closer to those you love, giving you more time to shop, to visit, to enjoy yourself.”
Perhaps those words from 1977 could also work in 2021, as the industry strives to win back passengers as and when the COVID-19 pandemic starts to recede.