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100 Firsts Exhibition
For the past 100 years, innovation has been at the heart of everything we do. We’ve contributed to hundreds of industry firsts, and helped to create thousands more for our customers.
From introducing the first ever cinema carriage in 1924, to breaking speed records with globally renowned locomotives such as Mallard, the East Coast Main Line has regularly made history.
2023 was LNER’s 100th anniversary.
To mark the special occasion, we’ve created an exhibition that tells one hundred stories of pioneering innovation and cherished moments on the iconic line. Here you’ll discover remarkable and heart-warming tales from customers, colleagues and our history over the past century.
Read or listen to 10 of their stories below.
Rupert’s first trip to a West End show
Rupert Turner, only five years old, swapped the quaint city of Durham for the sparkling lights of London, embarking on a life-changing adventure onboard the LNER train, accompanied by his parents.
From navigating the bustling underground to witnessing the majestic Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, he felt like a proper Londoner immersed in the heart of the capital. The grandest moment of all was attending the West End show, “Newsies”, and heading backstage to meet his favourite actor, even ‘catching’ one of the show's props – a cherished souvenir that would forever remind him of this unforgettable day in London.
With aspirations to grace the stage himself one day, Rupert's dreams became a reality, all thanks to LNER.
A kitten’s first train journey to her forever home
Majelle Legros embarked on a paw-fect day, forever holding a special place in her heart. From Edinburgh, she boarded an LNER train and journeyed to Berwick-upon-Tweed to fulfil a long-awaited dream – taking home her very first pet, an adorable kitten named Rini.
It was love at first sight, as Majelle knew then that Rini was meant to be hers. With Rini cradled gently in her arms, Majelle happily boarded the LNER train once more, ready to embark on a new chapter with her precious little kitten, who is her loyal best friend at her home in Scotland’s capital.
A very special trip to feed the pandas at Edinburgh Zoo
Six-year-old Willow helped her Mum, Emmy Louise Hughes mark her 40th birthday in style, on a trip to Edinburgh Zoo to feed the two iconic pandas – Yang Guang and Tian Tian.
Going above and beyond, LNER provided first-class treatment, ensuring their trip was truly a special experience. The VIP treatment didn’t stop there. Emmy and Willow enjoyed exclusive access to the zoo, with a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal enclosures.
The ultimate highlight for Emmy was witnessing Willow's joy as she fed Yang Guang and Tian Tian, Edinburgh Zoo's cherished pandas set to return to China.
Frank Paterson’s very first job
In 1946, right after leaving school, Frank Paterson embarked on a remarkable 40-year journey on the East Coast Main Line, forging an incredible career where he found himself at the heart of countless unforgettable moments, including 'firsts' that revolutionised rail travel.
From the exhilarating, record-breaking and high-speed Tees-Tyne Pullman in 1985, where he pulled the trigger on the starting pistol, to the historical building of the first mast on the electric East Coast line in Peterborough, Frank's dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the modern rail network.
At 93, Frank fondly reflects on these treasured memories, made possible by LNER.
From Bollywood screens to London’s streets
Ramya’s childhood in India was filled with Bollywood movies that showcased the captivating beauty of London's Tower Bridge. This iconic landmark became her lifelong dream to visit. When the opportunity arose to pursue her Master's degree in the UK, Ramya saw it as her chance to turn her dreams into reality.
Without hesitation, she booked her first-ever UK train journey on the LNER website, travelling from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to London King’s Cross.
There she stood, in awe of the city and the bridge she once admired on a screen back in India. With each trip she makes with LNER, she fondly recalls that cherished first train journey — the one that transformed her childhood wishes into reality.
The first time meeting the Queen
Nick Dudley’s railway journey began aged 16, as a London King’s Cross Divisional Apprentice based at Finsbury Park diesel depot (one of the new style dual apprenticeships). He spent the first year in college, learning basic mechanical and electrical principles, followed by three more years of intensive training, mastering the inner-workings of diesel and electrical traction units.
Nick flourished over 45 years, working across five diverse roles and finally reaching his career high, as an LNER Fleet Engineer. Across four decades of unwavering commitment, he gathered a wealth of knowledge on the InterCity 225 fleet, which had served the East Coast route between London and Scotland before the arrival of the Azuma trains. The fleet still serves communities between London King's Cross and Leeds and York.
The proudest moment in his career was being introduced to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at London King’s Cross Station, during a visit to celebrate the unveiling of the Intercity 225 “Mallard Service” in late 2003.
Celebrating true love in the driver’s seat
Trudi and her husband, David, have been together for 15 years. Both train drivers for LNER, they each have the job of their dreams, cruising up and down the East Coast with their ‘office’ view changing every day.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, like all UK train drivers, they had to keep their skills and knowledge razor-sharp, driving empty trains along their usual routes. Among these ghostly rides, one remains particularly etched into their memories – driving an Azuma train from Newcastle to Carlisle, completely alone with passengerless carriages.
With everyone at home, the train travelled past empty stations until it arrived at its destination. Even though it was a challenging time, Trudi and David enjoyed stunning views on a train just for themselves.
Sara Davies MBE takes a memorable trip to Buckingham Palace
Entrepreneur and television personality Sara Davies was invited to London for a very special reason. She was going to Buckingham Palace to receive an MBE for her services to the economy, as part of the New Year’s Honours List 2016.
It was a really monumental occasion for her whole family, so she treated them to First Class tickets from Darlington destined for London King’s Cross.
His Royal Highness, Prince William presented her with the MBE, in a regal ceremony which was one of the proudest moments of Sara’s life. However, once the excitement of the event was over, Sara knew she had another even more important job ahead of her – as she was 37 weeks pregnant at the time. She boarded the train back up north, this time stopping at Durham to go straight to hospital with her husband to give birth to her second child.
Shaun Wallace’s early quizzing days
A practising barrister and one of Britain’s best known television quiz show personalities, Shaun Wallace has led a pretty interesting life.
From an early age, he realised he had a knack for general knowledge and used to travel the length and breadth of the UK by train entering pub quizzes. An apparent underdog, many opponents did not fancy his chances but more often than not, Shaun walked away victorious.
All this changed when he won Mastermind in 2004, elevating him to one of the nation’s most well-known quizzers. Shaun is a frequent customer of the East Coast Main Line as he travels for legal duties around England in his role as a Barrister or attending quizzes as a very special guest.
Setting a speed world record
On 3 July 1938, Joe Duddington made history, setting the world speed record for a steam locomotive at 126 mph, driving LNER Class A4 4468 Mallard. Though Matthew, Joe's great-grandson, never met him, he’s spent a vast amount of time researching his great-grandfather and couldn’t be more proud of his achievements.
Joe, a loyal LNER employee from Doncaster, was chosen by Sir Nigel Gresley to break the German-held record. As the speedometer hit 126 mph, history was made.
In the eighty-five years which followed, Doncaster has commemorated this historic occasion with street names and roundabouts, yet few know the man behind the record. Matthew is determined to share Joe's story, a powerful legacy woven into his family history.
Read all 100 Firsts
First in history
Over the past century LNER and the East Coast Main Line have played a starring role in an incredible number of historical firsts. Read about some of them here.
Read the stories
First feats
LNER has been driving forward innovation and pioneering firsts since 1923. Hear about some of these achievements.
Read the stories
First loves
From first setting eyes on a future partner to travelling the East Coast Main Line during the honeymoon period, LNER has helped many lovers with those first sparks.
Read the stories
First adventures
All the way from London King’s Cross to the Scottish Highlands, the East Coast Main Line has been at the start of many first adventures.
Read the stories
First big life moments
Making memories which last a lifetime and being there in the moments which matter. Read about some of the most memorable experiences made possible on the East Coast Main Line.
Read the stories
First jobs keeping a career on track
A first job after leaving school or getting a dream offer while onboard, LNER has helped with thousands of careers over the past century. You can find out about some of them below.
Read the stories
First in history
Over the past century LNER and the East Coast Main Line have played a starring role in an incredible number of historical firsts. Read about some of them here.
Read the storiesFirst feats
LNER has been driving forward innovation and pioneering firsts since 1923. Hear about some of these achievements.
Read the storiesFirst loves
From first setting eyes on a future partner to travelling the East Coast Main Line during the honeymoon period, LNER has helped many lovers with those first sparks.
Read the storiesFirst adventures
All the way from London King’s Cross to the Scottish Highlands, the East Coast Main Line has been at the start of many first adventures.
Read the storiesFirst big life moments
Making memories which last a lifetime and being there in the moments which matter. Read about some of the most memorable experiences made possible on the East Coast Main Line.
Read the storiesFirst jobs keeping a career on track
A first job after leaving school or getting a dream offer while onboard, LNER has helped with thousands of careers over the past century. You can find out about some of them below.
Read the stories
