Amazing Train Stations - King's Cross London

[Koogie]

As a rail geek, I am just blown away by this amazing new addition to King's Cross in London...

New King's Cross concourse opens - Rail News from rail.co

I can't wait to see it. In no particular order, some of my favourite train stations are:
- London St. Pancras
- NY Grand Central
- Toronto Union
- Chicago Union
- Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof
- old Singapore (Tanjung Pagar)
- old Kuala Lumpur (Keretapi)

[ERD50]

Very neat. I'm not really a rail geek, but do have a passing interest in it.

Maybe it's just due to familiarity, but I'm not sure Union Station in Chicago is any great sight to see. There is some cool Art-Deco aspects, but IIRC, the 'Great Room' is usually closed for private parties? I dunno, when I'm there I'm usually rushing to grab a cab or get on my way. Maybe I should stop to smell the roses next time?

here's a sample from flickr:

Great Hall, Amtrak Union Station, Chicago | Flickr - Photo Sharing!



I did take some pics of the train station in Budapest when I was there last year this time. Big old barn, with these old industrial-looking passenger trains, really bleak - it just fit my image of what a Communist-era train station would look like. If you're interested, I could try posting them.

-ERD50

[Koogie]

Yes, the main Hall is open and still very impressive, including the stairwells from "The Untouchables" Granted the lower levels, including the platforms and the train shed, are nothing special.

Absolutely ! Love to see those pics. Either here or on a Flickr or Picassa link. Thks.

[NYEXPAT]

Not the prettiest, but I doubt you will find one higher up!

[Koogie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYEXPAT Not the prettiest, but I doubt you will find one higher up!

""Galera is the second highest train station in the Western Hemisphere with an elevation of 4777 m (15681 ft)""

Think the other one is in Bolivia ? 15681, wow. And you're smoking ?
Wouldn't that be like breathing through a straw at Everest base camp ?
ha ha

[Ronstar]

I like trains and train stations. Union Station in Washington DC is one of my favorite big city stations. But I really like the old small town stations, like in Dwight, Illinois.

http://www.shorpy.com/node/9960

[braumeister]

For stations in London, Euston station has long been my favorite, because it has the best pub nearby. Yes, I'm serious.

I also like the Munich Hauptbahnhof very much, and the Gare Central in Brussels is amazingly well laid out IMHO.

[bld999]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYEXPAT Not the prettiest, but I doubt you will find one higher up!

I don't care if it's pretty if they have pies.

[Meadbh]

I will offer Kent Station, Cork, Ireland (my home town). Completed in 1983, it's externally unremarkable but has an elegant curved rail shed which adds to the anticipation when meeting someone at the station or arriving by train. The station has starred in a movie: The (first) Great Train Robbery, with Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland and Lesley Anne Down. Check it out:

The First Great Train Robbery (1978) - Official movie trailer - YouTube

Here is an archival photo:

[JBmadera]

My favorite station is Paddington, as it meant I was hopping on the train to Heathrow and heading home!! King's Cross is beautiful.

[Koogie]

That is a great train shed in Cork ! I've only been to the station in Dublin, which wasn't grand.

Geez, Donald Sutherland looks like a teenager ! I haven't seen that movie in years.
Has anyone seen Hugo ? I'm not much of one for a kids movie (or a 3D one to boot) but the station scenes look pretty amazing. I think it is supposed to be Gare de l'Est in Paris ?

[Meadbh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meadbh I will offer Kent Station, Cork, Ireland (my home town). Completed in 1983...... :

Oops, I meant 1893!