Grand Central is an innovative and pioneering railway open-access
operator with a relatively short, but varied history. Beginning
operations in 2007, Grand Central runs its routes, Sunderland and
Bradford Interchange to London King's Cross, along the East Coast Main
Line. Initially running High Speed Trains (HSTs), Class 180s joined the
fleet in 2009. These continued to be the class in use after the HSTs
were discontinued on the routes.
With over 200 images, this book illustrates the wonderful landscapes of
Grand Central's routes, the types of trains operated, including the
iconic HSTs, and some rare behind-the-scenes locations not often seen by
the public. It covers from the days of the early crew-training trains
operated by heritage traction to the present day, including the foray
into Blackpool, and looks at how the company's innovation and experience
is shaping its future and the part it plays within the current railway
landscape.