By Bengt Bjorkberg

Standing on a platform in Moorgate station and seeing a steam train roll in is not an everyday occurrence, but I had the pleasure of experiencing it this month. OK, it was not a surprise as such, I had gotten my tickets, and London Transport Museum had pulled out all the stops to ensure that this would be a truly unique experience. Not only were there a station manager and police constable in period clothing, there was even a brass quintet entertaining passengers in the station lobby, not to mention the number of passengers that had put on their Sunday best. In fact the number of fellow commuters who seemed to have period Sunday best, ca. 1880-1940 surprised me and I felt under dressed myself!

Whatever interest you may have in trains and underground transportation; there is something magical about the old carriages being pulled by a steam locomotive. I admit that I, like most six-year-olds, dreamt of becoming a train driver for at least a week, but also must admit that I have been known to call roadside assistance for a flooded engine, so I have no specialist interest as such.

Saying that, the sound, smell and sight of this mode of transportation still awakes some romantic interest in the old days and this journey showed me what it may have been like. From the old “What to do in air raids” posters that are still in the third-class carriages to the detailed re-creation of the gas lamps in first-class carriage 353, to the Metropolitan Railways coat of arms on the locomotive, it all served to make it a unique experience of how it used to be.

Even if you did not have tickets, there was a chance to see the train along its route as it travelled from Moorgate to Edgeware Road and back. Judging by the number of smiling TfL workers, Transport Police officers and commuters who took the opportunity so snap a picture, it was worth the standard fare to see the train go by.

Did you encounter any of the Steam and Heritage Train Journeys this January? Tell us about it in the comments below

King’s Cross has had a make-over! Here’s the results of a £500m refurbishment of the station’s concourse.

As well as the fantastic lattice structure keeping the rain off commuters as they travel through the station, there’s also a host of new shops and eateries in the station itself. This is the first half of a redevelopment project, which should be completed in 2014.

Let us know what you think of the new King’s Cross in the comments below.

We’ve got a bumper selection of Royal London prize giveaways, to celebrate the build-up to the Royal Wedding. Here’s details of the first:

What better way to celebrate the marriage of the Prince William and Kate, the world’s most famous couple, than aboard the “King of Trains”, the British Pullman.

The British Pullman, sister train to the Orient Express, has a colourful history that has been carefully preserved.

The lucky winner can choose from destinations such as Glorious Goodwood, Cowes Regatta or Chatsworth House.

You can also choose from a range of gourmet dining experiences including the fantastic Murder Mystery Lunch. From the moment you leave London, you’ll be whisked away into a world of pure indulgence.

Enter now to win the chance to step back in time and enjoy a journey of timeless elegance. For more information, visit www.orient-express.com/uktrains

Does it get a bit annoying?!

We’ve got good news for you! From 2 January, you’ll be able to use your Pay As You Go Oyster on National Rail services within Greater London. If you frequently travel across South and North East London, this is going make a nice difference to your journeys.

So, from 2 January, Oyster Pay As You Go will be accepted on all Greater London services operated by:

• Chiltern
• National Express East Anglia
• London Midland
• First Great Western
• First Capital Connect
• Southern
• Southeastern
• South West Trains

Oyster Pay As You Go will also be accepted on c2c services in Greater London as well as Grays, Chafford Hundred, Purfleet and Ockendon stations in Essex.

Even better, Oyster Pay As You Go will be accepted on all Thames Clipper River services from today. (We’ve already seen a Thames Clipper with a big Oyster flag making its way under Tower Bridge this morning.) The river is a hugely underused form of transport; hopefully this change in the ticketing will rectify that.

Download the new map showing the “Oysterisation” of London! Oyster Rail Services London January 2010

Does this make a difference to your journeys? Let us know!