Coronation Scot

From TrainSpottingWorld, for Rail fans everywhere

The Coronation Scot was a named express passenger train of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway inaugurated in 1937 for the Coronation of King George VI which ran until the start of the war in 1939. It ran non-stop between London (Euston station)and Glasgow.

Three trainsets were formed from existing carriages and given a blue livery (The LMS' normal livery was red). The first five of the Princess Coronation Class pacifics were also turned out in blue with go faster stripes.

The train formation was (first class towards London end):

  • Brake Corridor First (BFK) to D1910
  • Corridor First (FK) to D1930
  • Restaurant Open First (RFO) to D1902
  • Kitchen Car (RK) to D1912
  • Open Third (TO) to D1904
  • Open Third (TO) to D1904
  • Kitchen Car (RK) to D1912
  • Open Third (TO) to D1904
  • Brake Corridor Third (BTK) to D1905

Coronation Scot is also the title of a famous piece of light music by the British composer Vivian Ellis, who wrote it after travelling on the train. It was the theme music to the late 1940s radio programme Paul Temple, and has been used extensively since on the BBC and as incidental music.