History of the Big Four - London and North Eastern Railway

Hello, and welcome to the finale of my four-part series on the Four Great Railways of Britain that existed between 1923 and 1948, the LMS, the LNER, the Great Western and the Southern, companies that were formed, and dissolved, through acts of Parliament to try and rationalise the 120 individual railway firms into something more manageable, but even though these operators only lasted a mere 25 years, during that time they left an indelible mark on the face of not only British railway history, but the art-deco culture of the period that continues to resonate globally even to this day.

Part 4 looks at the second largest of the firms, the London and North Eastern Railway or LNER, a company that, much like the LMS, spent much of its existence struggling to maintain a steady cash flow as various economic crises and its strong focus on freight conveyance meant it was often faced with the prospect of bankruptcy, though even with these troubling realities, the company was truly able to carve out a niche for itself as perhaps the most iconic of the Big Four railway firms, and indeed one of the most famous railway companies that ever existed, holding under its belt such legends of pop culture as the Flying Scotsman, Mallard, the Silver Jubilee and other such names that continue to resonate to this day as symbols of train travel's golden era.

The views and opinions expressed in this video are my personal appraisal and are not the views and opinions of any of these individuals or bodies who have kindly supplied me with footage and images.

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Thanks again, everyone, and enjoy! :D

References:
- A History of the LNER by Michael R. Bonavia (1984)
- Railway Wonders of the World (and their respective sources)
- Wikipedia (and its respective references)

[edwardburek]

If I may be permitted to wax lyrical about the influence of the Big Four:
- The LMS had the connections and the hotels
- The GWR had the romance of steam and the Brunel touch
- The Southern had electric traction and a raunchy reputation
- The LNER had the design flair and the Flying Scotsman
This was an enjoyable series, meticulously researched as always.

[roderickmain]

The London and Nearly Everywhere Railway. Its fascinating to find that people are building new locomotives to Gresley's design. Although one might suspect with modern engineering capabilities, they should be able to further maximise the power and performance. The A1 Tornado ("in service"), the P2 Prince of Wales (coming soon) and others on the cards. Definitely an Iconic line to this day.

[bittern]

Scotsman's run was the first authenticated 100mph, the 108mph run was A3 2750 Papyrus, the 2nd trial run in the A4 development.

[mnogoldfish]

Another excellent video. A fanatic series, worthy of a TV series. Thanks for an exceptional educational set of films of the railways of the UK.

[Nivshin]

There is a misconception that the GCR (London Extension) or "GCML" was designed and constructed to incorporate the "European" or more accurately named "Berne Loading Gauge". The GCML design was completed in 1894 and when construction began. The Berne Gauge was not agreed and signed off in Europe until 1912. At 9ft 3in wide and 13ft 4in high the GCML gauge was one of the larger British gauges, but still very small compared to the Berne gauge, which was 14ft high and 10ft 2in wide.

[duncancurtis]

Not so poorly represented in preservation with 🌪 Tornado and Scotsman pounding the rails but so many fine engines slipped into extinction.

[joshslater]

The LNER, my favourite of the Big Four. It boasted so many of the best locomotives and innovative designs. I love the Great Eastern, Great Central, Great Northern and North Eastern railways, and all their finest engines all merged together in one massive group. Then there’s Gresley and his many great revolutionary designs: the A1s/A2s, the A4s, the V2s and even the Hush Hush. Not to mention how well the LNER did with preserving a variety of locos and making sure they were cared for.

[Dreggman]

Your videos are just amazing! I found your channel just recently and iv gotta say I hope to see more from you

[WestRailfan]

15:30 The Silver Jubilee sets never ran with a beaver tail observation coach, that was the later Coronation set. Not sure about the West Riding Limited set thou, the WRL and Coronation used the same base coach sets of 4x articulated twin sets

[kenmorris]

Thanks for this excellent series about the Big Four. There is a paradox that the smallest of the four The Southern were the most Innovative with the early adoption of electric traction albeit based on third rail rather than the pioneering LB&SC's overhead wires. As the video mentioned had raven had his way the NER could have had lead the way in the UK for mainline electric traction. The sight and sound of a streak of course was vey special to us schoolboy spotters in the 50s and 60s.

[michellebell]

Another well researched and well presented history. Thanks RM.

[Cartoonman]

I saw the last A4s in York when they were brought together. Fantastic looking locos.

[rwm]

Thank you for a most interesting series.

[forrestrobin]

How did I miss this episode ?
Brilliant as always Mr MacVeigh. Thankyou.

[RailwaysOfBritain]

I would like to clarify a small historical detail regarding the speed records. While it's true that 4472 Flying Scotsman was the first locomotive to officially reach 100mph, the record of 108mph was actually achieved by 2750 Papyrus. This achievement made 2750 Papyrus the fastest non-streamlined locomotive in the world. Nonetheless, great work on the documentary overall!

[davidcrook]

Fancy concluding a video on the LNER with a clip filmed at Cockwood!!! Yet another great documentary; thanks! HAVEN'T SEEN THE LMS ONE YET!!! 😲

[DKS]

There was another Named train i could mention The Clansman which in the early 80's became The Highland Chieftain from London to Inverness. In summary Rory this if ever there was a Platinum Cake then this is that cake in terms of presentation alone. Though what's weird is with Mallard after she broke the world speed record for steam she broke down just outside of Peterborough and had to be towed into the station where the ceremony was held.

[davidpeters]

The last of the four and the one I have traveled on the most by far. A great documentary as usual by Mr MacVeigh full of interesting statistics and facts. Gresley's A4s were beautiful and fast but let's not forget LM&S had some good lookers too with the Stanier's Coronation Class streamliners (as seen in part 3).

[lukegreen]

0:33 Happy 100th Birthday LNER The London And North Eastern Railway.
1923 - 2023.
100 Years. X

[williamwaynflete]

Bravo! Another superb history/documentary!