Ulster Express
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| First service | 11 July 1927 |
| Last service | 5 April 1975 |
| Former operator(s) | London, Midland & Scottish Railway British Rail |
| Route | |
| Termini | London Euston Fleetwood / Heysham Port |
| Service frequency | Daily |
| Line(s) used | West Coast Main Line |
The Ulster Express was a named passenger train operating in England operated by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway and later British Rail from London Euston to Fleetwood and later Heysham Port where it connected with ferry services to Belfast.
History
[edit]The Ulster Express was introduced into service by the London, Midland & Scottish Railway and began operating on 11 July 1927 between London Euston and Fleetwood. The northbound service departed London Euston at 6.10pm, with the southbound working departed Fleetwood at 6.05pm.[1] It was usually hauled by a LMS Royal Scot Class locomotive.[2] From April 1928, it was diverted to terminate at Heysham Port instead of Fleetwood.[3]
The service was suspended in 1939 after the outbreak of World War II. resuming on 26 September 1949.[4][clarification needed][5] In 1955 the service saw the introduction of stainless steel first-class coaches with corridor compartments and open saloons in which the seats were pivoted, so that they could be rotated to form groups of four.[6][clarification needed] It was withdrawn by British Rail on 5 April 1975 when the ferry service between Heysham Port and Belfast was withdrawn.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "The Ulster Express. Appropriate Title for Extra L.M.S. Service". The News Letter. Northern Ireland. 14 June 1927. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ "Regimental Names for Engines". Northern Whig. England. 18 January 1928. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ Allen, Cecil John (1983). Titled Trains of Great Britain. Ian Allan Publishing. pp. 178–179. ISBN 0711013098.
- ^ "Regimental Names for Engines". Northern Whig. England. 18 January 1928. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ The Encyclopedia of Titled Trains The Railway Magazine issue 1422 September 2019 page 107
- ^ "Ulster Express again". Belfast News-Letter. Northern Ireland. 1 September 1949. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
- ^ Heysham's Last Boat Trains The Railway Magazine issue 891 July 1975 page 343