Freight train at Kings Cross

[countrygal]

Hello,

Is it unusual to see a freight train at Kings Cross or have I always missed them? This morning there was, what to me, looked like a freight train at platform 7 (at 0900). The number on the front was 66766 in case helpful.

Thanks.

 

[Magdalia]

Yes, it is unusual. But today there is engineering work in the Kings Cross area. The train you saw was reporting number 6G30 and was probably bringing in new material and/or removing waste material from the work site.

6G30 arrived late last night see here:

Realtime Trains | 6G30 2207 Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf to Alexandra Palace | 07/05/2022

Real-time train running information for 6G30 2207 departure from Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf to Alexandra Palace on 07/05/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

6G30 has already departed Kings Cross see here:

Realtime Trains | 6G30 0820 Holloway South Sig K326 to Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf | 08/05/2022

Real-time train running information for 6G30 0820 departure from Holloway South Sig K326 to Whitemoor Yard L.D.C Gbrf on 08/05/2022. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[countrygal]

Thanks Magdalia - I wasn't going mad!

 

[Mag_seven]

To be pedantic, "Engineers Trains" aren't strictly speaking "Freight Trains" as such even although they operated by freight train operators (in this case GBRf).

 

[Western Sunset]

When York Road and the Hotel Curve were open (until the late 70's), then freight traffic did appear travelling vis the Widened Lines to the SR. Plus supplies to KX Loco Yard adjacent to the station.

 

[Magdalia]

When York Road and the Hotel Curve were open (until the late 70's), then freight traffic did appear travelling vis the Widened Lines to the SR. Plus supplies to KX Loco Yard adjacent to the station.

The Snow Hill Tunnel between Farringdon and Blackfriars closed in 1969, and the coal traffic from Ferme Park to the Southern Region had ceased in 1966. There were no freight trains via the widened lines in the 1970s.

 

[Western Sunset]

Yes, I should've phrased that better. Thanks for the clarification.

One picture that sticks in my memory is from a Locospotters' Annual of the mid '60s, which shows a BRCW Type 3 passing through KX with a northbound freight.