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Ulster Express

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ulster Express
Overview
Service typePassenger train
First service11 July 1927
Last service5 April 1975
Former operator(s)London, Midland & Scottish Railway
British Rail
Route
TerminiLondon Euston
Fleetwood / Heysham Port
Service frequencyDaily
Line(s) usedWest 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

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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in which the seats were pivoted, so that they could be rotated to form groups of four.[6][clarification needed] It was withdrawn by British Rail on 5 April 1975 when the ferry service between Heysham Port and Belfast was withdrawn.[7]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

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  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ "Regimental Names for Engines". Northern Whig. England. 18 January 1928. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. ^ Allen, Cecil John (1983). Titled Trains of Great Britain. Ian Allan Publishing. pp. 178–179. ISBN 0711013098.
  4. ^ "Regimental Names for Engines". Northern Whig. England. 18 January 1928. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  5. ^ The Encyclopedia of Titled Trains The Railway Magazine issue 1422 September 2019 page 107
  6. ^ "Ulster Express again". Belfast News-Letter. Northern Ireland. 1 September 1949. Retrieved 19 September 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  7. ^ Heysham's Last Boat Trains The Railway Magazine issue 891 July 1975 page 343