Stuff You Should Know SYSK’s Fall True Crime Playlist: How The Great Train Robbery Worked
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Sep 26, 2025 Discover the audacious 1963 Great Train Robbery, where a gang of 15 masterminds captured the public's imagination. Learn about the meticulous planning, including an insider known as 'Ulster Man' who played a key role. The heist involved tampering with train signals and securing a staggering £2.6 million. Delve into the aftermath, including the capture at Leather Slade Farm and the controversial trials that followed. Explore the legacy of Ronald Biggs, who became a folk hero while evading capture in Brazil.
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Heist Captured Public Imagination
- The Great Train Robbery seized massive public attention in 1963 and became a cultural touchstone in the UK.
- The heist involved 15 men, no guns, and most of the cash was never recovered.
How The Plan Started
- The robbery idea originated with a man named Fields who recruited safecracker Goody and others to join.
- Bruce Reynolds and the Bowler Hat Gang coordinated with the South Coast Raiders to pool skills for the heist.
Why The Up Special Was Ideal
- The gang targeted the Up Special mail train because banks trusted it to move large sums without heavy security.
- The Up Special functioned as a mobile sorting hub and routinely carried huge amounts of cash overnight.