The Comet (train)

The Comet was a named passenger train operating in the United Kingdom.[1]

The Comet
Overview
Service typePassenger train
First service12 September 1932
Last service1962
Former operator(s)LMS, BR
Route
StartLondon Euston
EndManchester London Road
Service frequencyDaily
Line(s) usedWest Coast Main Line

History

The train first ran on Monday 12 September 1932.[2] The Down train from Euston at 11.50am, calling at Crewe with an arrival at Manchester London Road at 3.20pm comprised a six-coach set of carriages, plus a seven-coach set which was split off at Crewe for Liverpool.

The Up train had a departure from Manchester London Road at initially 5.40pm, but later 5.45pm with only one stop at Stafford, arrived in London Euston at 9.p.m, comprising eleven carriages. The Up train was so popular that a relief ran 5 minutes in front of it on Fridays. The train was usually hauled by an Royal Scot locomotive.

It was suspended for the duration of the Second World War but re-appeared in 1949.[3] The Up train had an additional call at Crewe and took nearly 30 minutes longer than its pre-war schedule. In 1954 the schedule was re-timed, and a journey time of 3.5 hours was achieved.

The service disappeared with electrification of the West Coast Main Line in 1962.

References
  1. Allen, Cecil J. (1967). Titled Trains of Great Britain. Ian Allan Ltd. p. 48.
  2. "Railway's Winter Speed-up". Burnley Express. England. 17 September 1932. Retrieved 5 December 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
  3. "Named Trains". Shipley Times and Express. England. 7 September 1949. Retrieved 5 December 2017 – via British Newspaper Archive.
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