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.