Joe Brown
@joebrownlondon.bsky.social
Cartographer, author, railway historian, former train driver, current transport manager, LGBTQ+ network leader 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Visit Crecy Publishing for my titles
#OnThisDay 146 years ago the Metropolitan & St Johns Wood Railway was extended from West Hampstead to Willesden Green with an intermediate station at Kilburn. Unrecognisable from its current 1925 form; here is the 1879 Willesden Green station (LT Museum collection) buff.ly/48RxMzo
November 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 146 years ago the Metropolitan & St Johns Wood Railway was extended from West Hampstead to Willesden Green with an intermediate station at Kilburn. Unrecognisable from its current 1925 form; here is the 1879 Willesden Green station (LT Museum collection) buff.ly/48RxMzo
Some fascinating Thames TV footage here: buff.ly/McYtkSY (stills from the video).
The lack of fatalities and just 3 injuries is quite astounding, and I'd imagine it was a blessing it derailed just outside the station... what if it had collided with the buffers at speed?
The lack of fatalities and just 3 injuries is quite astounding, and I'd imagine it was a blessing it derailed just outside the station... what if it had collided with the buffers at speed?
November 23, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Some fascinating Thames TV footage here: buff.ly/McYtkSY (stills from the video).
The lack of fatalities and just 3 injuries is quite astounding, and I'd imagine it was a blessing it derailed just outside the station... what if it had collided with the buffers at speed?
The lack of fatalities and just 3 injuries is quite astounding, and I'd imagine it was a blessing it derailed just outside the station... what if it had collided with the buffers at speed?
#OnThisDay 42 years ago, the sleeper train from Penzance hauled by 50041 Bulwark derailed at Paddington, fortunately no lives were lost. My dad passed it on an Underground train and described it to the 6 year old me, so I promptly drew it! David Keogh: buff.ly/J9NMMo8
November 23, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 42 years ago, the sleeper train from Penzance hauled by 50041 Bulwark derailed at Paddington, fortunately no lives were lost. My dad passed it on an Underground train and described it to the 6 year old me, so I promptly drew it! David Keogh: buff.ly/J9NMMo8
#OnThisDay 184 years ago, Cheshunt station was opened by the Northern & Eastern Railway. The original station was on Cadmore Lane and closed after around 6 months, the current station opened 1846 and is seen here in 1890 shortly before rebuilding, source: buff.ly/4fNJlKd
November 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 184 years ago, Cheshunt station was opened by the Northern & Eastern Railway. The original station was on Cadmore Lane and closed after around 6 months, the current station opened 1846 and is seen here in 1890 shortly before rebuilding, source: buff.ly/4fNJlKd
#OnThisDay 77 years ago, extensions at both ends of the Central Line saw Greenford to West Ruislip added to the London Transport Executive network in the west, and Woodford to Loughton / Hainault via Chigwell in the east. LT Museum collection poster by Tom Eckersley commemorates the opening
November 21, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 77 years ago, extensions at both ends of the Central Line saw Greenford to West Ruislip added to the London Transport Executive network in the west, and Woodford to Loughton / Hainault via Chigwell in the east. LT Museum collection poster by Tom Eckersley commemorates the opening
#OnThisDay 26 years ago the Jubilee Line extension was connected to the original line, resulting in closure of the 1979 Charing Cross platforms to the public. Here's me there on the Hidden London tour in 2019, where we organised a special run for the line's 40th birthday.
November 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 26 years ago the Jubilee Line extension was connected to the original line, resulting in closure of the 1979 Charing Cross platforms to the public. Here's me there on the Hidden London tour in 2019, where we organised a special run for the line's 40th birthday.
#OnThisDay 102 years ago the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway (now Northern Line) opened an extension from Golders Green to Hendon Central (pictured here on opening day), with an intermediate station at Brent (Cross). LT Museum collection buff.ly/4fuFimz
November 19, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 102 years ago the Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway (now Northern Line) opened an extension from Golders Green to Hendon Central (pictured here on opening day), with an intermediate station at Brent (Cross). LT Museum collection buff.ly/4fuFimz
Ashfield House in West Kensington: for decades it’s been London Underground’s main training school… always brings memories flooding back! Helping to recruit tomorrow’s Supervisors today, from the recent external campaign. Wearing my District moquette scarf in tribute 😄
November 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Ashfield House in West Kensington: for decades it’s been London Underground’s main training school… always brings memories flooding back! Helping to recruit tomorrow’s Supervisors today, from the recent external campaign. Wearing my District moquette scarf in tribute 😄
#OnThisDay 68 years ago LT electrified Epping to Ongar on the Central Line, ending the bizarre situation of steam passenger services on a deep tube line. Seen at Epping four years earlier, a steam service for Ongar waits alongside a tube service: LT Museum collection buff.ly/3CueZyl
November 18, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 68 years ago LT electrified Epping to Ongar on the Central Line, ending the bizarre situation of steam passenger services on a deep tube line. Seen at Epping four years earlier, a steam service for Ongar waits alongside a tube service: LT Museum collection buff.ly/3CueZyl
#OnThisDay 124 years ago the City & South London Railway extended from Moorgate to Angel with intermediate stations at Old Street and City Road. Evocative image of the pre-1992 rebuild Angel and its island platform by Kevin Lane. Highly recommended viewing 'Heart of the Angel': t.co/D91hraLlhZ
November 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 124 years ago the City & South London Railway extended from Moorgate to Angel with intermediate stations at Old Street and City Road. Evocative image of the pre-1992 rebuild Angel and its island platform by Kevin Lane. Highly recommended viewing 'Heart of the Angel': t.co/D91hraLlhZ
#OnThisDay 65 years ago the formidable trailblazer that was Karen Harrison, Britain's first woman mainline train driver, was born. Honoured this year by 66710 being named after her at Greatest Gathering here's the equally formidable @bessbbe.bsky.social and the loco buff.ly/sYin6gL
November 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 65 years ago the formidable trailblazer that was Karen Harrison, Britain's first woman mainline train driver, was born. Honoured this year by 66710 being named after her at Greatest Gathering here's the equally formidable @bessbbe.bsky.social and the loco buff.ly/sYin6gL
#OnThisDay 44 years ago the Tyne & Wear Metro extended from Haymarket to Heworth including the impressive Queen Elizabeth II bridge across the Tyne. Image one of many on newcastlephotos blog: buff.ly/YHtNVCM
November 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 44 years ago the Tyne & Wear Metro extended from Haymarket to Heworth including the impressive Queen Elizabeth II bridge across the Tyne. Image one of many on newcastlephotos blog: buff.ly/YHtNVCM
#OnThisDay 31 years ago public Eurostar services between Waterloo and Paris / Brussels commenced. 13 years later, also on November 14th, High Speed 1 opened allowing services to switch to St Pancras. April 1995 image at Wandsworth Road: Chris Morrison buff.ly/LVzfJxM
November 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 31 years ago public Eurostar services between Waterloo and Paris / Brussels commenced. 13 years later, also on November 14th, High Speed 1 opened allowing services to switch to St Pancras. April 1995 image at Wandsworth Road: Chris Morrison buff.ly/LVzfJxM
#OnThisDay 92 years ago Northwood Hills opened on the Metropolitan Line, 5 years before the Green Belt halted Metroland's expansion and 4 months after the LPTB absorbed the Metropolitan Railway. Opening day image of the incomplete building LT Museum collection buff.ly/HfKwfJV
November 13, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 92 years ago Northwood Hills opened on the Metropolitan Line, 5 years before the Green Belt halted Metroland's expansion and 4 months after the LPTB absorbed the Metropolitan Railway. Opening day image of the incomplete building LT Museum collection buff.ly/HfKwfJV
#OnThisDay 190 years ago, the London & Greenwich Railway's pre-opening trial ceased, resulting in closure of temporary stations at Blue Anchor Lane and Grand Surrey Canal. Woodcut from 09/01/1835 'The Penny Magazine' showing the viaduct passing St. James Church, Bermondsey.
November 12, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 190 years ago, the London & Greenwich Railway's pre-opening trial ceased, resulting in closure of temporary stations at Blue Anchor Lane and Grand Surrey Canal. Woodcut from 09/01/1835 'The Penny Magazine' showing the viaduct passing St. James Church, Bermondsey.
#OnThisDay 33 years ago North Pole Eurostar depot was officially opened by Chair of British Rail Sir Bob Reid, 2 years before revenue services started. It closed just 13 years after that, but reopened in 2017 as a Hitachi Depot for GWR. Image: Colin Marsden buff.ly/8Sryq48
November 11, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 33 years ago North Pole Eurostar depot was officially opened by Chair of British Rail Sir Bob Reid, 2 years before revenue services started. It closed just 13 years after that, but reopened in 2017 as a Hitachi Depot for GWR. Image: Colin Marsden buff.ly/8Sryq48
28 years ago today this strange boy joined London Underground as a Guard on a 6 month contract… we were assured we were a stop-gap until the 1959 Stock were retired, but they limped into the 21st century and I got to drive them too… time flies when you’re having fun! 🙂🚇
November 10, 2025 at 4:57 PM
28 years ago today this strange boy joined London Underground as a Guard on a 6 month contract… we were assured we were a stop-gap until the 1959 Stock were retired, but they limped into the 21st century and I got to drive them too… time flies when you’re having fun! 🙂🚇
Known as the 'Cavell Van', it survives in preservation on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. It slid into anonymity, latterly a static store, but its significance was recognised and it was restored in 2010, a replica coffin placed inside. buff.ly/eAEOt6f
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Known as the 'Cavell Van', it survives in preservation on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. It slid into anonymity, latterly a static store, but its significance was recognised and it was restored in 2010, a replica coffin placed inside. buff.ly/eAEOt6f
#OnThisDay 105 years ago at 20:32 a mail train carrying the remains of the Unknown Warrior arrived at Victoria platform 8. The roof of the carriage carrying the soldier's remains was painted white, so people en route could salute it. Image: MoorwaySouth buff.ly/a6rGQhb
November 10, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 105 years ago at 20:32 a mail train carrying the remains of the Unknown Warrior arrived at Victoria platform 8. The roof of the carriage carrying the soldier's remains was painted white, so people en route could salute it. Image: MoorwaySouth buff.ly/a6rGQhb
#OnThisDay 175 years ago, Dalston Kingsland station opened as 'Kingsland'. It closed after just 15 years due to all NLR services diverting to Broad Street, but reopened in 1983 for a North Woolwich to Camden Road diesel service. 1984 image: Kevin Lane buff.ly/6fSXLTG
November 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 175 years ago, Dalston Kingsland station opened as 'Kingsland'. It closed after just 15 years due to all NLR services diverting to Broad Street, but reopened in 1983 for a North Woolwich to Camden Road diesel service. 1984 image: Kevin Lane buff.ly/6fSXLTG
Taken from a Facebook page, original photographer unknown (happy to credit if it’s yours!), at the north end of the tunnel a Class 31 has just arrived with a train from Royston in 1977. York Way platform had briefly reopened early 1977 due to track works on Kings Cross ‘throat’
November 8, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Taken from a Facebook page, original photographer unknown (happy to credit if it’s yours!), at the north end of the tunnel a Class 31 has just arrived with a train from Royston in 1977. York Way platform had briefly reopened early 1977 due to track works on Kings Cross ‘throat’
#OnThisDay 49 years ago York Road Curve connecting the East Coast Mainline and the 'City Widened Lines' towards Farringdon closed, when services were diverted over the Great Northern & City at Finsbury Park. Image from when Robin Morel (shadowy figure) very kindly gave me a tour.
November 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 49 years ago York Road Curve connecting the East Coast Mainline and the 'City Widened Lines' towards Farringdon closed, when services were diverted over the Great Northern & City at Finsbury Park. Image from when Robin Morel (shadowy figure) very kindly gave me a tour.
#OnThisDay 76 years ago, Bow Road (GER) station closed, not to be confused with the Underground station of the same name or the adjacent Bow NLR station which it shared an interchange walkway with. Today the building is a William Hill. Images / more info: buff.ly/BoQWu1c
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 76 years ago, Bow Road (GER) station closed, not to be confused with the Underground station of the same name or the adjacent Bow NLR station which it shared an interchange walkway with. Today the building is a William Hill. Images / more info: buff.ly/BoQWu1c
#OnThisDay 143 years ago the Bury & Tottington District Railway opened from Bury to Holcombe Brook. In 1913 this branch saw experiemental overhead 3.5kV DC electrification by the LYR, this only lasted 5 years, replaced by 3rd rail 1918. Image / more info: buff.ly/1EUwgnw
November 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM
#OnThisDay 143 years ago the Bury & Tottington District Railway opened from Bury to Holcombe Brook. In 1913 this branch saw experiemental overhead 3.5kV DC electrification by the LYR, this only lasted 5 years, replaced by 3rd rail 1918. Image / more info: buff.ly/1EUwgnw
Here’s the short-lived original station (LT Museum collection) www.ltmuseum.co.uk/collections/...
November 5, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Here’s the short-lived original station (LT Museum collection) www.ltmuseum.co.uk/collections/...