2014: First Ride On A Crossrail Train

M@
By M@

Last Updated 24 May 2024

2014: First Ride On A Crossrail Train

Crossrail would not open to the public until 2022, renamed as the Elizabeth line. Yet it was already possible to catch a train in 2014... if you had security clearance and full personal protective equipment.

In 2014, we acquired both in order to inspect the tunnels beneath Limmo Peninsula near Canning Town. From there, we boarded a workers' train through to Canary Wharf Crossrail station.

Video by Geoff Marshall. Photos by M@.

Film-maker Geoff Marshall dons full PPE to visit the Limmo Peninsula shaft.
Film-maker Geoff Marshall dons full PPE to visit the Limmo Peninsula shaft.
Looking up from the bottom of the Limmo shaft.
Looking up from the bottom of the Limmo shaft.
Tracks heading east from Limmo. In the distance a wall awaits a tunnel boring machine.
Tracks heading east from Limmo. In the distance a wall awaits a tunnel boring machine.
The train that carried us from Limmo to Canary Wharf.
The train that carried us from Limmo to Canary Wharf.
Looking along the tracks west from Canary Wharf
Looking along the tracks west from Canary Wharf
Inside Canary Wharf Crossrail station.
Inside Canary Wharf Crossrail station.
The first working escalator on Crossrail, at Canary Wharf.
The first working escalator on Crossrail, at Canary Wharf.
The upper level of Canary Wharf station will eventually contain plenty of greenery, including trees that will reach out through the roof. The upper levels will open around Easter 2015, providing new shops and food outlets.
The upper level of Canary Wharf station will eventually contain plenty of greenery, including trees that will reach out through the roof. The upper levels will open around Easter 2015, providing new shops and food outlets.
Looking towards 1 Canada Square, and a new footbridge helping to link up the station.
Looking towards 1 Canada Square, and a new footbridge helping to link up the station.
Inspecting the roof struts.
Inspecting the roof struts.