Blue Pullman

Date: 1960
Director: James Ritchie
Production Company: British Transport Films

Stars: The staff of British Railways
Location(s): Bedfordshire, Derbyshire, Lancashire, Leicestershire, London, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire

Region(s): , , ,

Storyline:

Following development, technical trials and staff training, the Midland Pullman makes its inaugural journey from Manchester Central to London St. Pancras.

Additional Information:

Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson

This film is viewable on BFI Player for free at Blue Pullman

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We are aware that there are films on the site that were added when the criteria for the inclusion of locations was very different from today and, as a result, there may be scenes missing from some productions. Please do not forward additional screen captures to us but bring the detail to our attention, for we do, and are, 're-addressing' these older entries as time allows.

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Driven by a senior Footplate Inspector, a Blue Pullman multiple unit is taken out on a test run during which engineers and technicians monitor progress. This is the Midland Main Line between Derby and Leicester to the south of Trent Junction in Derbyshire, approaching the viaduct that crosses the River Trent and the Nottinghamshire boundary with Redhill Tunnels beyond.

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The doors are closed after the Blue Pullman enters the shed at the end of the trial.

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In a siding, vehicles are coupled together and jumper cables connected.

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The Guard signals the Driver to start and the Blue Pullman pulls away from the shed for another test run.

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A Technician pulls the alarm cord to check the braking distance. This looks like the Down Fast line approaching Ampthill New Tunnel between Bedford and Flitwick in Bedfordshire.

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The units were conceived as part of British Railways' 1955 Modernisation Plan. Facing southward towards Duffield station on Station Road in Duffield, Derbyshire.

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With the trials and training completed and last minute details checked, everyone enjoys a nice cup of tea.

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In Manchester, the first fare paying Passengers board the 7:45am service for London.

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Attendants and the Guard step on board the luxury train before the signal is cleared for a right time departure. Manchester Central station on Station Approach at the corner of Lower Mosley Street and Windmill Street in Manchester, Lancashire.

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Breakfast is served as the journey gets under way, passing through the suburbs of south Manchester to reach the Derbyshire countryside. The Blue Pullman vehicles were built by Metropolitan-Cammell at their workshops in Birmingham.

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With the bacon, eggs, kippers and toast eaten and the washing up started, the Chef starts preparing that evenings dishes.

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The service follows the since closed Midland Railway route from Manchester to Derby via Millers Dale, Bakewell and Matlock. Overlooking Upperdale, Derbyshire with Monsal Dale signal box visible in the left distance.

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Looking towards Headstone Viaduct crossing the River Wye at Monsal Dale in Derbyshire with Fin Cop in the distance.

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Track Workers step aside as the train approaches.

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A comment about the new train is passed between the Men before returning to work.

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The Driver checks his watch as he slows for a speed restriction through a junction. Ambergate West Junction in Derbyshire with the station beyond the bridge over the River Amber.

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At 20 mph, the Blue Pullman creeps through the tightly curved station. At the junction of lines from Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, this is the triangular Ambergate station on Station Road, Ambergate.

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The accompanying Footplate Inspector notes that they're running 5 minutes late. Ambergate station seen from the footbridge crossing the southern end of the platforms at Ambergate Station Junction.

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On the main line, signals clear to green allowing the train to be brought up to its top speed. The London Midland Region units were formed of six car and were first class only with double-glazed windows, air conditioning and a maximum speed of 90 mph.

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Tea, coffee and maybe something a little stronger is served as morning newspapers are read. Facing south at Knighton North Junction after emerging from Knighton Tunnel in the southern suburbs of Leicester.

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On the adjacent line, a steam hauled goods train approaches from the south. Heading south through Luton in Bedfordshire with Commer's Luton works on Biscot Road coming up on the left.

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The freight train's brake van passes. Flanking the railway as it approaches Luton are the terraces of Highbury Road on the left and Bury Park Road to the right while in the distance the gasometers of the gasworks on Dunstable Road can just be made out.

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Passing another signal box, the Footplate Inspector eyes the speedometer. Facing south at Wigston North Junction in Leicestershire with the line to London on the left and the routes to Rugby and Nuneaton curving away to the right.

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The Driver watches the amps increase as he notches up the power controller. This is approaching Loughborough Midland station in Leicestershire.

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Passing beneath Nottingham Road bridge at Loughborough Midland, the bridge carrying the Great Central Line between Nottingham and Leicester comes into view.

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Passengers browse paperwork, gaze through the windows or complete crosswords as the train continues southward. Introduced in 1960, the units were withdrawn from the Midland Main Line in 1966.

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Dials in the cab read 2000 amps and 90 mph as the Inspector tells the Driver that they are now on time. Looking north at Kettering station on Station Road in Kettering, Northamptonshire.

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Although they had already disappeared from the Midland Main Line, the Blue Pullmans operated on other routes until May 1973 when they were withdrawn by British Rail.

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Through tunnels and cuttings, beneath bridges and across fields, the Blue Pullman speeds onward. Looking across the disused Up Fast line platform of the closed Oakley station in Bedfordshire with houses on Highfield Road in the left distance. At this point, the train is travelling over the Up Goods line.

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Irchester Junction to the east of Wellingborough in Northamptonshire with the Higham Ferrers branch heading eastward to the top right.

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The Blue Pullman disappears into a cutting to pass beneath Higham Road as it runs between Little Irchester and Higham Ferrers.

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A little further southwards, the multiple unit approaches Irchester goods shed which can be seen to the right.

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Passing Irchester goods shed, the cattle dock and pens of the, then, still open livestock facility come into frame.

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Blue Pullman units also feature in 'Decline and Fall . . . of a Birdwatcher', 'Be My Guest' and 'The Early Bird'.

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On the bridge stands the station building of the, then, recently closed Irchester station on Station Road at Irchester, Northamptonshire.

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Another goods train approaches as the Blue Pullman crosses a viaduct.

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Traffic on London streets passes St. Pancras station as the morning Blue Pullman from Manchester nears the terminus. Euston Road in London NW1, looking towards the Century cinema at the corner of Tonbridge Street and the northern end of Argyle Street to the left.

Argyle House is still there behind the trees just to the left of the Camden Town Hall annex, now The Standard Hotel, which replaced the Century cinema, formerly the Regent Theatre. SJ

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The camera moves to find the clock tower of St. Pancras station as the time approaches 11 o'clock.

Some green now intrudes. SJ

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Inside the train shed, the Station Master checks his watch as the Blue Pullman draws into the platform on time. Platform 4 at St. Pancras station on Euston Road NW1.

Many changes since 1960 but the north end of the shed is intact. SJ