GB
1995
1hr 44mins
Dir: Richard Loncraine
Starring: Ian McKellen and Annette Bening
The classic Shakespearean play about a murderously scheming king staged in an alternative fascist England setting of the 1930s
This lavish drama features a number of railway scenes. The run by shots of Richard III’s Royal Train were filmed on the Bluebell Railway and it is hauled by BR Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 No.92240, although the arrival scenes in London are shot at St Pancras station, with a train formed of the ‘Queen of Scots’ set. The film is notable for its unconventional use of famous British landmarks, often using special effects to move them to new locations. St Pancras railway station was relocated to Vauxhall and becomes King Edward’s seat of government! Meanwhile, Richard III’s military headquarters is in fact the former Steamtown base at Carnforth, with ex-L&YR Aspinall Class 27 0-6-0 No.1300, an ex-LMS Class 8F 2-8-0 and German DRG Class 01-10 No.01 1104 all featuring. The German loco was a surprisingly effective fixture for this scene though it has since been repatriated back to its place of birth.