Grand Central is an innovative and pioneering railway open-access operator with a relatively short, but varied history.
Beginning operations in 2007, Grand Central runs its routes, Sunderland and Bradford Interchange to London King’s Cross, along the East Coast Main Line. Initially running High Speed Trains (HSTs), Class 180s joined the fleet in 2009. These continued to be the class in use after the HSTs were discontinued.
With over 200 images, this book illustrates the wonderful landscapes of Grand Central’s routes, the types of trains operated, including the iconic HSTs, and some rare behind-the-scenes locations not often seen by the public. It covers from the days of the early crew-training trains operated by heritage traction to the present day, including the foray into Blackpool, and looks at how the company’s innovation and experience is shaping its future and the part it plays within the current railway landscape.
Chapter List:
- The Early Days
- Core Routes: Sunderland to Doncaster
- Core Routes: Bradford Interchange to Doncaster
- Core Routes: Doncaster to King's Cross
- Off the Beaten Track
- Rarities and Maintenence
- Ten Years On: Farewell to the HSTs
- 2018 to 2021: Continuing the Voyage
Each photograph is accompanied by a caption and a short history of Grand Central is also included. 96 pages.