Trains at Derby in the 1980s – When Class 45 Peaks Ruled British Rail

Derby Railway Station in the 1980s – Peaks, HSTs & British Rail Diesel Memories.

Step back in time to Derby Railway Station in the 1980s, when British Rail blue was everywhere, diesel locomotives filled the air with noise and exhaust, and this great railway city was one of the most fascinating places in Britain to watch trains.

In this video we revisit Derby during a remarkable period of change. The mighty Class 45 Peaks were reaching the end of their reign on the Midland Main Line, while the InterCity 125 was transforming express travel. Alongside them came Class 47s, first-generation diesel multiple units, Sprinters, CrossCountry services, parcels trains and plenty of freight.

Derby was far more than just a busy station. With its enormous railway works and long association with the Midland Railway and British Rail, the city became one of Britain's most important railway centres.

But what was Derby really like during the 1980s? It could be noisy, dark, gloomy and dirty, with diesel fumes hanging beneath the station canopies. Looking back today, it is amazing just how much exhaust smoke there was – how did we survive it?

We also compare Derby of the 1980s with the station we know today. How much has changed, what has disappeared, and would a passenger from the British Rail era still recognise it?

So sit back and enjoy another nostalgic journey into Britain's railway past.

Do you remember Derby Railway Station in the 1980s? Did you travel through here, photograph the Peaks or watch the HSTs taking over? And most importantly – do you miss British Rail?

Please share your memories in the comments.

If you enjoy Britain's railway history, please LIKE the video, SHARE it with another railway enthusiast and SUBSCRIBE to Trains Trains Trains for more journeys into our fascinating railway past.

#BritishRail, #DerbyStation, #DerbyRailwayStation, #BritishRailways, #BritishRail1980s,