RICHARD III

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.

This is Vauxhall Bridge with St Pancras on the opposite bank of the Thames, about three miles south of where it should be!!
The King and his entourage arrive into St Pancras, the real one in its correct location on the Euston Road
In this delightful scene the ploughman goes about his business as a steam train passes by virtually unnoticed in the background
9F 2-10-0 No.92240 brilliantly framed by the entrance to Sharpthorne Tunnel on the Bluebell Railway
The ‘Royal Train’ arrives into St. Pancras station formed of the ‘Queen of Scots’ charter set
Staff and dignitaries look on as Richard III (with hat in centre) makes his way to his train
The final scenes take place here at Carnforth, as Richard III’s army is assembled. On the left is ex-L&YR Aspinall 0-6-0 No.1300 with German DRG Class 01-10 No.01 1104 forming the main feature next to it.