SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Was on Platfrom 1 at city station today and noticed it's wedged shaped, tapering towards the west. I'm assuming that it was laid out when city station went in next to Wellington Station. So I was pondering when the cast iron caopy supports date from. I'm assuming not the original Wellington Station but the first incanation of City?

It was Platform 6 of the 1930s Leeds City rebuild of its Wellington predecessor. The "Thames Clyde Express" used to leave from it.    

Speaking of Leeds station has reminded me that my granddad lived in Armley and used to drive the Flying Scotsman. It was only recently I found this out. It's a great shame the only one remaining uncle on that side of the family has dementia. I would love to have known more.

Caron wrote: Speaking of Leeds station has reminded me that my granddad lived in Armley and used to drive the Flying Scotsman. It was only recently I found this out. It's a great shame the only one remaining uncle on that side of the family has dementia. I would love to have known more. Flying Scotsman, along with many of the other A3's were regular visitors to Leeds Central, as were many of the other famous LNER Pacifics.I remember both the up and down Thames Clyde Express and Waverley coming into Leeds City on Saturday afternoons. The train used to reverse at Leeds. IIRC they used come in behind a Britannia and go out behind either a Royal Scot or a Jubilee,

Such wonderful times which I'm too young to remember.I did try to find anything re my granddad driving the engine but I needed to know his number etc and to be honest, I found it all a bit daunting. I found out that there were lots of drivers for the Flying Scotsman. Thanks for your info. Much appreciated

I worked for Railtrack at the time when the stationwas altered to its present layout.I seem to recall overhearing a story about 'someone'asking thecivil engineers to 'guage'the new pfm 1 for Mk 4 electric stock.The guage was O.K,what the really were meant to ask wasIs the platform long enough for Mk4!Look at Streetview close up of the station and pfm 1,there appearsto be a liitle bit of newer pfm surface added on.

dogduke wrote: I worked for Railtrack at the time when the stationwas altered to its present layout.I seem to recall overhearing a story about 'someone'asking thecivil engineers to 'guage'the new pfm 1 for Mk 4 electric stock.The guage was O.K,what the really were meant to ask wasIs the platform long enough for Mk4!Look at Streetview close up of the station and pfm 1,there appearsto be a liitle bit of newer pfm surface added on. No pal,it was for Eurostars,MkIV's fit on with plenty of room,absolutely loads,wheras Eurostars (that GNER used) had an extra 5 vehicles when compared to MkIV's

Anyway, back to my canopy columns, old but not Wellington Station, but Leeds City first incarnation?Apart from the arches these must be the oldest bit of the station left?You pesky kids and your interesting digressions.When the Deltics were withdrawn a bunch of them were paid up at York behind the museum. Me and mate sneaked into the depot and got into one. I nicked the catches from the sliding side window next to the driver. Must have been something to have that open at 100mph. Still have them somewhere. The engines were truly massive, I remember them as standing about 5 to 6ft high. I can't remember which one it was now possibly 08 Th Green Howards. The name plates had been removed but were just left in the cab. I could have walked with it but didn't. Hopefully they were saved. I think half a dozen were saved for museums and a couple are running. They are my favourite loco and the sound of the engines raises the hackles just like a Merlin does on a Spitfire.    

Yes it was the Eurostar sets Chris,it seems sucha long time since GNER used them that I hadtotally forgotten them.

dogduke wrote: Yes it was the Eurostar sets Chris,it seems sucha long time since GNER used them that I hadtotally forgotten them. If I remember rightly the three Eurostar sets were used on the same diagrams each day and I'm sure I knew what times they left for a a luxury ride to Wakefield. Passengers were warned on the Intercom that if they wished to alight at Wakefield they must walk forward from coaches A & B as the trains were too long for the platform there. I also seemto remember being told by someone "in the know" that the Eurostars were not to be used north of Leeds because they drew too heavily on the power supply ?? Being the World's worst sufferer from claustrophobia I never thought I'd go to Europe in one, but after North Sea Ferries put up their fares (special offers excluded) to ridiculous levels I had to face it and now use Eurostar often - the only way to get to Europe easily and quickly (around six hours comfortably from Leeds to Brussels or Paris) why bother to access airports at both ends - I can't fly anyway. Still don't really like the fifteen minutes or so actually "under the briny" but grin and bear it !!