CHARIOTS OF FIRE

Image result for Chariots of Fire 1981

GB
1981
2hrs 04mins
Dir: Hugh Hudson
Starring: Ben Cross and Ian Charleson

Two British track athletes, one a determined Jew and the other a devout Christian, compete in the 1924 Olympics

This factually-based historical drama features a railway scene towards the end. The triumphant return to England after the Olympics, with Liddell and Abrahams getting off the boat train, was filmed in the north bay of York station representing London Victoria. Preserved SE&CR D Class 4-4-0 No.737 and GNR C1 Class 4-4-2 No.251, both from the National Collection, were used as stationary locos with fake steam effects added. There is also one additional shot earlier in the movie of the Atlantic ‘arriving’ at York, representing on this occasion King’s Cross. Filming took place over the 19th and 20th June 1980.

The first railway shot in the film shows Great Northern Atlantic No.251 bringing the ‘Flying Scotsman’ into King’s Cross, which is in reality York.
The triumphant return of the athletes used the outside of York station, suitably adorned with various period items.
This is the old platform 2 at the north end of York station. Through the barriers, SECR D Class 4-4-0 No.737 stands with its train. Immediately behind the loco is Pullman Parlour First No.59 TOPAZ while one can make out the cab of Atlantic No.251 lurking in the background haze.