STREAMLINERS RACE TO THE NORTH: LMS 'Coronation Scot' vs LNER 'Coronation'

Until the nationalisation of Britain's railways in 1948, there was a fierce rivalry between the companies operating the West Coast Mainline and the East Coast Mainline from London to Scotland. This resulted in several incarnations of the "Races to the North" from London to Scotland.

Arguably the climax with the most spectacular, powerful and fastest trains was with the streamlined "Coronation Scot" and "Coronation" services operated by the LMS and LNER respectively.

Running from London Euston to Glasgow Central, the flagship LMS train using Staniers mighty Princess Coronation pacifics, stopped only briefly at Carlisle for a crew change. Meanwhile the LNER's London Kings Cross to Edinburgh Waverley service was non-stop and was made possible with the famous corridor tenders attached to the brand new A4 steam locomotives. This meant that a relief crew could relax and "ride on the cushions" back in the train before relieving their colleagues for the onward journey.

Ever since, its been widely debated which was the better / faster train, and this will continue without conclusion, as neither company could claim actual victory (both trains arrived at different destinations).

Of course the LNER A4's went on to claim and retain the world speed record with legendary 4468 "Mallard" attaining 126mph. But then the Princess Coronation's were undoubtedly more powerful locomotives as they had the disadvantage of having to tackle the northern sections of the WCML with its twisting bends and fearsome climbs of Shap and Beattock. Relatively speaking, the ECML that the A4's operated on was a race track and many believe that a Princess Coronation / Duchess could have snatched Mallard's record away if it had the proper opportunity down Stoke Bank.

I personally believe that both companies were the winner, especially their marketing departments. The Coronation Scot and Coronation fast became icons of world steam and Art Deco styling.

Although not aiming to be prototypical, this fast paced video is a bit of fun that attempts to recreate the speed and drama of steam locomotives working hard and fast. Of course the 2 different trains were perhaps only just about within whistling distance of each other at Euston and Kings Cross, and as far as I know would never be in sight of one another. But they do make a stirring sight and sound hurtling around the layout with some parallel running.

All we need now is for Hornby to announce the complete matching "Coronation" train complete with the streamlined "Beavertail" observation car that brought up the rear of each rake.

6220 "Coronation" along with the matching and complete "Coronation Scot" is a stunning train. Recently released by Hornby, this has again been treated to some polished weathering to give a well looked after but used appearance. I will definitely produce more videos of this sublime model in the near future!

Archive sound used in this video was recorded by Peter Handford and features courtesy of Old Thundridge records.

[MasterOfTheLemons]

Oh my god this looks real. The super-detail and weathering on the models and layout + camera work really sells it. The paint texture/weathering on the engines is impossibly good, and the detailed brickwork and convincing grass on these locations... Wow. I'm blown away this is amazing!

[LNER_Steam]

Hands down the most incredible model railway video I’ve ever seen. Even with my bias there is just no denying that fact. You’ve absolutely outdone yourself and this will be a video I’ll watch again and again! 🙌🏻

[fiachra]

I don't think I've ever enjoyed a railway video as much as that. You captured the drama, the power and the romance of high speed travel in that age. Awesome.

[bobingram]

I was holding my breath there for a minute to see who won!!!! Detail live shot added to the "realism". Superb as usual👍🏻👍🏻 (the blue one was my favourite!!)

[mikep]

Even better than your last one on the new Coronation Scot, makes the "Race" come alive, well done.

[FlyingScott]

Even the Railroad Teaks look stellar behind a proper loco, always a joy to see!

[johnwalker]

Probably one of the best model railway videos ever posted on YouTube - absolutely outstanding.

[AUSTIN-]

Brilliant, just brilliant. What an excellent video. The close ups, the sound track even to the loint of som music in a nearby town as the train passes.

You get a real sence of the real thing.

Hands down the best model railway vid I have ever seen.🎉🎉

[zmpjacksoncomics]

Honest thought it was real to start loved it mate

[johnd]

Thanks for more phenomenomal videography.

[unixbadger]

Perfect videography. Perfect sound effects. Perfect weathering and texture. And, that's all it needs.

[TonysGym]

Woah, I thought this was real for a split second, great layout!

[barelanestephenprice]

Brilliant videography, and editing. Great viewing. Thanks

[MapTheDragonRailways]

Fantastic video. You capture really good chaotic scenes in your videos. Keep up the fantastic work.

[robindeer-park]

Wonderfull Touch With The 8F On The Slow Line Pleasure to View well done.

[micksavage]

Often model railway operators run their trains at out of scale fast speeds. In this video you are running the trains at HIGH SPEED and it's awesome! What a brilliant idea. With your layout which can accommodate the two trains you really brought the race to life. The excitement was palpable and you easily forget they are just models!

[mogumogu]

Best model train video EVER
Best camera action with well synchronized audio
Im suprised at 3:23

[leviguyblue]

Amazing work. Well done and thank you.

[Duncan]

WOW. Simply superb stuff. Being from Berwick upon Tweed I’m always going to come down on the LNER side, but both locomotives are absolute beauties. Imagine being a schoolboy in the inter war years and being able to see beasts like these at your local station. I’d never be in the house! Keep up the good work, your videos are amazing - in fact I prefer watching them to most of the TV programmes on nowadays! ;)

[martinsims]

What an absolutely brilliant video, really well done! And excellent top class models too . Thank you.