Master Cutler (train)

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The Master Cutler is a named passenger train that operates on British railways from Sheffield to London. It has had a somewhat chequered history, with the route and composition changing several times.

It started in the winter timetable of 1947 operated by the London and North Eastern Railway running on the Great Central route from Sheffield Victoria to London Marylebone via Leicester and Nottingham. However by 1958, the rundown of the former Great Central route was in progress, and in September of that year the title of the train switched to a new all-Pullman service from Sheffield Victoria to London King's Cross.

It stopped at Retford only in both directions, was diesel-hauled from the outset and a Pullman supplement was required for all passengers. However, in early 1966 British Railways decided to concentrate Sheffield traffic on the Midland route to St Pancras station in London (and Leeds traffic on Kings Cross). So the pullmans were withdrawn on 15th April 1966, and the train reverted to normal carriages.

From 7th October 1968 the Master Cutler title was moved over to a fast train running to St Pancras via the Midland Main Line. It was de-named, but later revived by InterCity in May 1987, operated by InterCity 125 trains.

As of 2006, it runs from Leeds to London St Pancras, via Doncaster and Sheffield, using a Pullman (with an additional First class coach replacing a Standard Class coach) InterCity 125 train. The train is operated by East Midlands Trains.

[edit] Stations served

In the 'up' (southbound) direction, after leaving Leeds the Master Cutler calls at Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster, Sheffield. Chesterfield and then non-stop to London St Pancras

This is unusual in that it is the only regular passenger train booked to run non-stop through Leicester, as well as avoiding both Nottingham and Derby, running the full length of the Erewash Valley Line.

In the 'down' (northbound) direction, after leaving London St Pancras, it calls at Leicester, Derby. Chesterfield, Sheffield, Wakefield Westgate and finally at Leeds