King's Cross Station Camden Town 1950'S

[@neildelaney5199]

I wonder if who ever filmed this ever thought it would bring such joy to people 60 odd years later? thank you very much to that person and to belfast jack for showing

[@belfastjack]

Your very welcome 😊

[@belfastjack]

Your very welcome ☺️

[@belfastjack]

Your very welcome ☺️

[@belfastjack]

It's a pleasure ❤️

[@jimlainson4873]

Coming home on leave, platform 16 KX TO HERTFORD NORTH. behind a N7 in 1955, what wonderful memerys. The film is a joy to watch and the music! Just the ticket. Retired Driver BR.

[@rustynailer8655]

Thank you very much. That is the best black and white 1950's BR I have seen for ages. Very good quality.

[@mercomania]

Love the house on 1.23 stuck in the space between a shed and a corner kiosk.

[@swyddfabost]

Just come across this by chance. Absolutely brilliant. The memories flood back. Many thanks.

[@marktownend8065]

Totally fantastic! Thanks you so much for uploading. My 97 yo Dad was shedmaster at Kings Cross locomotive depot illustrated here from the mid 1950s through to its closure at the end of steam in the area in the early 60s. Going to show him this tomorrow.

[@routeman680]

Is Peter Townend still with us? I have some of his books. Give him our best regards and respect and thanks for everything he did as shedmaster (like getting Kylchap exhausts fitted to Pacifics and V2s!) and for recording that period for us to learn about.

[@marktownend8065]

@@routeman680 Hi Dad is still around, although largely housebound today. He still keeps his mind active following the modern railway and heritage scene. Thanks for your best wishes which I will pass on. I'm immensely proud of his work keeping the East Coast locos working reliably and accomplishing some of their best ever day in day out performance right at the end of steam and through the difficult changeover to diesel traction. He had a lot of support from top managers such as the famous G Fiennes who, while committed to dieselisation, were determined to see high service quality maintained through the transition.

[@tulyar1043]

R I P Peter Townend. 34A Engineer and magician.

[@royhepper1369]

Wonderful video lived off the Euston Rd in the 40s and 50s this was a welcomed trip down memory lane...Many thanks

[@itsnotforourconvenience2990]

Thank you for uploading this! I grew up in Camden Town, so know this area well. I find it facinating looking back at old photo's and footage, trying to work out where the different scenes are. Brilliant!

[@jack80kiwi]

Thank you for that. I am 78 years old and the memories flood back. Mum and Dad were from Newcastle and from '47 till '52 we used to go to Newcastle to see my grandparents. I remember the smells of the coal, the sound of the steam and the clanking of the couplings. all trips were the same get the tube from Hendon, onto the train. Dad taking me to see the engine, at least on one occasion it was the Mallard. We would leave at about 8.00pm travel overnight and arrive in a foreign country at about 6.00am, Newcastle Central . I did not understand "GEORDIE" LOL. Thank you.

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

I went to South Shields in the late 70's when i was about 9, couldn't understand a tossing word that was being said haha

[@jack80kiwi]

@@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome I live in New Zealand now but had many trips back , even going by train. Last time there 2007 , to old to travel now.

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

@@jack80kiwi Hi John, glad you're still with us! I'm in the USA now and I don't get back much either. It doesn't excite me the way it used to. Some things were just better back then. Take care mate!

[@1948martin]

Absolutely brilliant. Memories of train spotting in the early 1950's, thank you.

[@simonfunwithtrains1572]

This film has that feel of the grime I remember when I used to travel up the London with my Dad in the late 50's early 60's I can almost believe that it really was all in black and white back then. Still, love to be able to witness all that steam now.

[@TONYJUD57]

How atmospheric is that? Bloody well done, Belfast Jack.

[@alanbartlett9523]

Just as I remember it, great times. I can smell the steam and smoke now. Thank you Jack.

[@belfastjack]

No worries anytime Allen

[@chrishoggett1375]

I maintain and operate preserved steam locomotives in Belgium. A lot of people still love them. But the past couple of years mentally had changed. We get abuse from people that we are wasting water and then we aren’t environmentally friendly with all coal we burn... not realising that the black smoke is heavy and a lot less goes into the atmosphere than the very fine but invisible particles from their cars that cause more climate change. It is strange how people have changed lately and become real hypocrites. For some reason also mostly people over 50 which I find very confusing. I wonder if this is a Belgian thing.

[@belfastjack]

@@chrishoggett1375 👍

[@michaeltaylor3358]

Beautiful video. Deserves a million views. Thank you.

[@routeman680]

Marvellous atmospheric footage. Most of the rail and street plan would have dated from the 19th century. So much history and life now forgotten. There is a charm in the sooty old buildings, let alone Top Shed, with so many Pacifics and V2s lined up.

[@MrJINXY65]

I’ve just been sat on a ballast train in kings cross station on Xmas day and came across this whilst I was waiting for my train to be loaded, it was interesting to sit looking out of the window of the loco at the tunnel mouths and see where the ghosts of those trains disappeared into the tunnels on the film & how the track layout has changed over the years, I first started coming to kings cross in the early 1970’s train spotting and been going there ever since as part of my job now, it’s a place close to my heart👍

[@dunko45]

We're u a guard at kingcross from 70,s imihht know u

[@MrJINXY65]

@@dunko45 no my father and grandfather were both at King’s Cross 👍

[@peterclark8408]

Wow from me too. This 9 minute film really is a valuable historical document!

[@MrDavil43]

As someone who frequented the end of platform 10 locospotting in the late 50's early 60's I look at this film and wonder how anyone had any functioning lungs after breathing all that smoke. Any other former spotters remember an elderly chap who would gather up a dozen or so of us and conduct us around various loco sheds in London? Grey gaberdine raincoat and NHS specs, he would be hounded as a potential pervert these days, but it was all innocent then and thanks to him I have lots of good memories and many underlinings in my Combined Volume! Wonderful film, I'll watch numerous times!

[@rallyeraidr7841]

Some people are just nice aren't they? I grew up opposite Southend on Sea station but sadly just after the days of steam. I'd have been so happy to at least once have been aboard an A4 class; maybe the Elizabethan, or the Mallard, or The Flying Scotsman....any of them!

[@zeddeka]

Let's face it, there were more than enough perverts around kings cross anyway. Terrible sleazy place back then.

[@michaelketteringham9417]

Lots of wonderful memories.I caught the end of steam at the X 61-63.Oh how it's all changed.Thanks for sharing.

[@Mounhas]

Some amazing clarity. Wonderful.

[@reggiesmith3866]

Until the early 1960s most of the London termini were noisy, dirty, and riddled with all sorts of pollution but they had a magic character which is totally missing now. Memories of the noise of steam engines hissing, chuffing ,whistling and echoing under high roofs like at St Pancras will be with me for ever.

[@zeddeka]

I'd never say that - they were absolutely notoriously sleazy with serious problems with prostitution. Kings cross was also sadly notorious for child prostitution.

[@richardmessenger9474]

Fantastic footage..it's amazing how all those movements were choreographed and not a computer for years...👍👍

[@davidsoper631]

Wonderful piece of film, Kings Cross as I remember it. Thankyou.

[@LordTantrums007]

Superb film. Fascinating viewing!

[@robharding5345]

I was born close by , back in 1957.and still so proud to have been born a true cockney, even though my folks moved two years later, up north to a lovely little cotton town called Blackburn, in the heart of Lancashire. We were so hard up, my cot was a cupboard draw. 😀

[@jimward8095]

Great railway history...many thanks!

[@colinroymitchell]

Superb! Brings back vivid memories of my misspent youth at the end of platform 10 in the early sixties! So different and exciting for a young railway-mad lad then, not to mention (beautifully) filthy!

[@belfastjack]

Hi Colin glad you enjoyed cheers Jack 🤗

[@Wujek937.]

Back to The Loud House

[@routeman680]

Beautifully filthy is absolutely right! I remember steam from around 1960 but was never a locospotter. Now I view those days with nostalgia for the steam, smoke and soot. There seemed to be a grey mist hanging over everything.

[@joebarrett4353]

I was there in the 50s. Great memories!

[@johnjephcote7636]

Many thanks! When I look at KX Suburban station now and think of all those N2-hauled suburban coaches for Hithchin blasting up from Moorgate round the hotel curve...! It is such a tidy station now but I still see in my mind's eye the long. 'train' of parcels trolleys attempting to squeeze thro' the passengers along the narrow concourse.

[@spiccybaby]

I could almost put a soundtrack to that in my mind, especially the long-gone sound of loose-coupled goods starting and stopping.

[@AnthonySimpson-t7f]

Excellent footage of kings cross in steam days at the time you think it will never change thanks for the sights Tony Simpson

[@jamesavenell2368]

Back during the war when I was a youngster my father was in the RAF serving with 603 City of Edinburgh Squadron & when he returned to Scotland from leave my Mother & I would travel from Reading to Kings Cross with him to see him off. I remember those moments his train disappeared into the tunnel as it set off, smoke & steam billowing around the mouth of that dark cavernous area. Many years later when I became a rabid train spotter, several of us would go to London to the various points of interest & I recall most fondly bunking around the Kings Cross Loco shed on a lot of occasions, normally on a Sunday. What days they were.

[@StephSancia]

It's so good to read the comments below with people's gratitude for all these priceless videos ❤️ I was born in Kingston upon Thames 1954 and these videos are just amazing ✌️ Once again, Gratitude Jack

[@henrysimpson6964]

Loved the smell of old London.

[@sydjhn5783]

I love the soundtrack, its so calm

[@routeman680]

Yes, it's somehow very appropriate. Too many videos have something either mournful or screeching.

[@alanmusicman3385]

Question: At 01:25 there's a zoom into what looks like a miniaturised version of a house from metroland - a piece of definite architecture alongside all the tin-shacks and tangle of non-descript sooted buildings that used to stand in front of the station. It even has a little garage! How did that get there - what was it for? Was it someone's idea of how to make some utility building look pretty, or was it a real home for someone? Maybe an overnight lodge for railway crews? It looks so sad and stranded there! I'd love to know more about it.

[@kenstevens5065]

Well spotted but I haven't a clue, it's a bit like some photos from a hundred years ago that seem to show people with mobile phones and modern dress.

[@DinseeNuffin]

Great video thanks for uploading. I remember Kings Cross Station as a child in the mid 50's, didn't live to far away so me and my mates were always doing the trainspotting thing. Also we would go to the road GOODSWAY behind the station and wind up "The Ladies of the Night" who offered Love and Friendship to anyone who paid them hahaha. I never go back there now, it's unrecognisable to me sad to say :-(

[@nigelkthomas9501]

I’ve experienced that a few time when I’ve been in London, and more recently elsewhere! I just say I’m gay and they soon f* off!

[@Ass_Burgers_Syndrome]

More likely to get stabbed if you went there nowadays. But then again that's Britain in a nutshell pretty much.

[@Uftonwood2]

Too little of our every day lives were ever filmed, and this fragment gives a tantalizing glimpse of what railways were once; totally industrious.

[@admiralcraddock464]

It`s only going to get worse with everyone using digital cameras. Here today and erased to morrow, The days of people having biscuit tins full with old photos and 8mm film in the loft are a thing of the past

[@davidcoleman6032]

Some amazing footage there that I've never seen before. The goods yard and top shed are seldom seen on film. Hats off to the gentleman who originally took the trouble to film it for prosperity. So sad to see it now!

[@lilmandan96]

O, Man' I swear you can smell the Smoke

[@JoshiProductions03]

The Footage is gold. All the LNER Locos at Kings Cross is such cool. I also love the shot if Kings Cross Top Shed with all the Engines resting there.

[@ivanahavitoff7308]

that little house at 1.28! would be a goldmine today

[@daveconyard8946]

Thank you brilliant, must go outside and get some AIR cough cough 😊

[@NightHeronProduction]

Wow I am so thankful this exists and only hope that more comes to light. I knew Kings Cross as a hub was bigger in those days but wow without this footage I would have been under the impression that it was still significantly smaller. Its simply Wonderfull footage whomever shot/commissioned it really did have some forethought as to what should have been filmed, Just imagine if there were footage of this calibre from the 20s and 30s what a glorious sight the would be, at least this footage gives some impression off that now lost world. Thank you for uploading keep it, would love to see more footage of this. Edit if you upload vintage footage could find any shots of HMS Hood, I've found some here on KZbin but I know theres more out there that currently isn't online. That and or 1930s era Portsmouth Naval Dockyard.

[@dunko45]

My second cousin went down in hood jack love any photos of hood if u know of any one

[@NightHeronProduction]

@@dunko45 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnLXmXasoJp6qNE Best I can do at the moment. May your second cousin Rest In Peace. Merry Christmas!

[@meakinroy4341]

What a truly magnificent film this is, have enjoyed every second of it. It is as atmospheric as it is historical and depicts a time and events sadly lost forever in the minds of those that loved that era.

[@BrianSeaman]

Amazing footage - thanks for posting :)

[@carlteacherman194]

Just discovered this, incredible, priceless film. My earliest recollections are about 10 years later, a lot less steam and becoming very run down.

[@kennethhume8628]

This is a brilliant video , starts off with views outside the station but then goes on to show many LNER locomotives .

[@michaelketteringham9417]

Wonderful.

[@davidmccall2897]

Brilliant footage, I have never seen this before until now, more video's would be welcome.

[@RadioJonophone]

Over too soon. Fantastic film. I remember King's Cross from the early 1960s, in its fading grandeur. Would we go back to those days? Soot and smuts? Engines setting fire to the countryside? Or are we better served by the airy space that is KGX today, with the fast, efficient, modern trains?

[@chrishoggett1375]

Radio Jonophone steam trains certainly aren’t the most efficient things. I know as I maintain preserved ones. They are hard work, but very rewarding machines. In those days no problem with trains being delayed because of leaves on the line though... to prevent fires, railway embankments got maintained properly and cut back.

[@RadioJonophone]

@@chrishoggett1375 I am glad that you and others preserve old trains; I for one enjoy travelling on them. However, for everyday travel things have moved on. That's all I was saying.

[@frankbrzosko2006]

I grew up in Cambridge and used to go train spotting to Kings Cross. Rode the underground to all the London stations with my mates, in the 60s. This brings it all back Absolute magic, happy times, thankyou.

[@johnmorgan9688]

I've been involved with a number of 'Elephant Races' through the tunnels at KX where both Driver's would be doing their level best to beat the other through the tunnels, thereby not having to deal with the other's steam and smoke!

[@CODHELPUS]

Fantastic film, and I normally hate over music to film, but this just kind of fits the nostalgia. well done its great.

[@stephenbrooks6174]

I've just scrolled down to the comments and I'm glad other people agree with me; watch it with the sound off. It's the kind of muzak that you used to hear in supermarkets and thankfully has been phased out. Great footage though.

[@TheMrduuk]

Great pics of topshed look at now under posh flats canel only same

[@davidhoughton1719]

That little house at 1-28 was a Laings show house ,as an advert for all the new housing develpment in ‘Metroland’

[@michaeltaylor3358]

Thanks ever so much. I’ve watched this beautiful film a few times and that house has had me baffled! 👍👍👍

[@davegalea6689]

old London was far much better then what it is today. And the people was better too.

[@markwilson8002]

Wonderful

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Wow! That would’ve been a choker. Two trains at once through the same tunnel at 6:55!

[@CODHELPUS]

Also I have to say that the film of the top shed and yard is amazing how did they control that amount of locos?

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Wish this had been shot in colour and with sound!

[@geoffreyyork9255]

I was born bred in King's Cross as my family were . This is truly magical

[@johannesfeigl5309]

Fantasticpov'shistory comes alive!

[@gordonhardwick5151]

Wonderful 1950s views. The steam is so evocative. But next time please add 1950s music to enhance it further.

[@alanmusicman3385]

My grandfather was a suburban lines driver out of King Cross from about 1950 to 1965 - driving N2 locos as seen several times in this. I wonder if he was on one of those featured! I'll never know, but it's great to see this. Many thanks. Loving the coaches doing the "Kings Cross Shimmy " on the station throat just after 4 minutes into this! This is very good footage do we know who shot it?

[@christopherbutler7588]

Great 👍 thank you

[@TwanistATR]

incredible

[@petersmith4455]

great video, too young to remember these steam locos, but love the 08 diesel shunter with the early crest the loco would be black i would imagine..used to see the deltics there

[@tulyar1043]

All the scenes on this video are on a DVD called East Coast Mainline Volume one. Fantastic scenes on it.

[@kenstevens5065]

North London line and Copenhagen tunnels, I always look for Mrs Wilberforce and her house above the portals.

[@Steven_Rowe]

My favourite area, when I look back over nostalgic,ready eyed? Fetch me a glass of whiskey, s it h Irish,as long as it's straight.

[@TheMrduuk]

Iworked at the cross since 1974 remember all 14 platforms and york roadguys wearing boelrrs hsts morning rush hour

[@bazza945]

Oh, the grime of it!

[@peterg957]

Fascinating...

[@bobmather8814]

An impressive flashback to the “good old days.”?

[@Duke-4cs]

After 60 years,wonderful images! Does anyone know´s the music?

[@MrAsBBB]

Beautiful

[@robnewman6101]

I have a Hardback DORLING KINDERSLEY DK EYEWITNESS GUIDES Book of TRAIN. Discover the story of railways - from the days of steam to the high - speed, sophisticated trains of today. In association with THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM.

[@GreatBarrWolf]

Wonder what that guy in the signal box @ 4:52 was using that megaphone for!

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Back in the early 60’s a mate and I saw Mallard reversing out of the tunnels. Wow! This grimy b/w footage really captures steam in in its latter days. A pollution fest and no wonder lung cancer was so rife then. But as a kid getting chased out of engine sheds, it was a great time!

[@johnpeglau713]

The original parcel building in Kings Cross Station is still there. Close to platform 9 & 3/4. It is now a great Pub and restaurant "The Parcel Yard"

[@likklej8]

Great Ariel film of Kings Cross MPD ( shed) there. Us train spotters had to climb up though a lorry coaling depot to get into the shed 34A

[@likklej8]

To do Kings Cross sheds you had to climb through the coal dock,if you tried the front gate you’d not get in. Once in the shed a foreman or supervisor would give you a quick safety briefing and let you walk around the shed,one of the train spotters friendly sheds.

[@BrianFitch-ry1en]

Yes it was the only way in and few knew about the gate and stairs at the end of the coal chutes. Then across the coal wagon traverser and the bridge over the Regents Canal and left at the service road. Like so many London MPDs, it was rare to see railway staff or other shed bashers. Magical days when you were 13. What would you get up to today? Fabulous film.

[@blackandwhiterag1117]

Lovely film. Are you able to give the source of it?

[@alanmarr3323]

Pretty grim life in those days

[@douglasallen511]

Certainly, if you were on the way to Korea.

[@bewseybill3691]

Great footage, even better with the sound turned off.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

I love sound track to this video!

[@douglasallen511]

@@nigelkthomas9501 Only you.

[@nigelkthomas9501]

@@douglasallen511 Is that the soundtrack you’re referring to or the fact I’m the only one that appears to like it?

[@pappakilo3965]

Belle Isle was a complicated area back then!

[@Tarkaman1]

Some of the shots are filmed from Great Northern House a BR building across the road from King's Cross, so it could well have been filmed by a BR employee?

[@tangerinedream7211]

Think this may have been professionally filmed, or by a talented member of a film club, slow pans, probably using a tripod and the quality is at least 16 mm camera if not 35 mm, superb atmosphere and grime, the area looks much smarter now with coal drops yard, but this gentrification has taken most of the character away, thanks for posting.

[@barryroberts2196]

Two trains entering the tunnel at the same time, bet the footplate crews enjoyed that ! NOT. Great stuff, thank you.

[@oldbillleaver4708]

We'll never know who won that race.

[@tmog1000]

I would say that the engine crews did that on purpose

[@borderlands6606]

PW staff wandering the station throat between movements, without a hint of hi-viz. Great shots of Kings X suburban entrance down the side. What's the building that looks like a domestic house in front of the station at 1:23 - the station master's house?

[@pauldavis4072]

I think it was erected in the 20s/30s as a show house advertising the attractions of living in suburbia!

[@ianburnett7333]

Camera men that went filming in those days certainly had the right idea.

[@Jimyjames73]

Bet it's all changed now 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@wombatonabike6717]

Pure atmosphere. You can smell the coal smoke 60 years on.

[@stephenvanwoert2447]

The complexity of the trackwork is astonishing and delightful. By American standards, the freight cars look primitive and toylike.

[@orsoncart9441]

Fantastic. Thank heavens someone filmed that. Look at that location now and every bridge, wall and tunnle is covered in graffiti and tagging.

[@dunko45]

I worked at kingscross from 74 to about latec90,s then went stpancras now back at marylebone I now live 5 mints where I started my railway career somgrest memories now look at kinhscross loco posh shops restaurants but old parcel she'd still exist as waitrose

[@amazoniaamazonia7225]

Interesting film, it would be good to have some back ground information on it.

[@larryross5665]

Great Video, Great Music, any one know what its called?

[@robtyman4281]

The soundtrack is awful. Doesn't match the video at all. Soundtracks should add value to film, otherwise there's no point in having them.

[@larryross5665]

@@robtyman4281 O, mate you are being so critical and I don't know why, I get your point tho' it doesn't match the age, but it's all a matter of taste surley