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When it comes to the battle of the breakfast shows, time and time again, Seven’s Sunrise has reigned supreme on the popularity podium.…
He’s racked up a legion of die-hard followers with his eccentric and loveable trainspotting videos.
But TikToker Francis Bourgeois need look no further, after he finally bought his own train, saving it from being destroyed and sent to the scrap heap.
The Glasgow Subway Powercars ferried commuters and revellers across Scotland’s largest city for more than 40 years but were discontinued in June.
Plans for the redundant carriages vary, with The National reporting that a train would be displayed in the Riverside Transport Museum.
And one has now found a new home in the hands of social media star Francis, who counts rapper Stormzy, French football legend Thierry Henry, and Prince William and Kate among his many fans.
Excitedly showing off the iconic orange train on his Instagram on Sunday, the TikTok favourite, 24, said: ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’ve bought a train.
TikToker Francis Bourgeois has finally bought his own train, saving it from being destroyed and sent to the scrap heap
A Glasgow subway train has found a new home in the hands of the social media star, who counts rapper Stormzy and Prince William and Kate among his many fans
Excitedly showing off the iconic orange train on his Instagram on Sunday, the TikTok favourite, 24, said: ‘I can’t believe I’m saying this but I’ve bought a train
‘It’s a Glasgow Subway Powercar, let’s have a look.
‘The Glasgow Subway have recently retired their charming old fleet and, with nowhere for them to go, they would otherwise be ripped to shreds.
‘But this one, amongst many others, has been saved and will be finding their new home soon.’
Switching his iconic Go-Pro for a series of drone shots, Francis then showed footage of him riding in the retro-style carriage of his new toy, before taking to the driver’s cabin to give it a spin.
‘We’re being shunted around by one of the resident Clayton shunters, which gives us a good opportunity to pretend we are driving,’ he said.
The train expert then imitated a subway announcer, putting on a Scottish accent as he said: ‘The next station is Govan.’
Francis continued: ‘The Subway Powercars are being lined up and one by one plucked off the ground and into the air by a crane.
‘In preparation of mine being lifted, I notice some of the cushions had a mature urine smell, which I suppose adds to its character?
The Glasgow Subway Powercars ferried commuters and revellers across Scotland’s largest city for more than 40 years but were discontinued in June
Since his first TikTok clip, back in February 2021, excitable Francis has risen to social media superstardom
He now commands a following of millions, with his TikTok account boasting more than 3.2million fans, while his Instagram has 2.5million (pictured: Francis at the BRITs in 2023)
In 2023 Francis was joined by his most royal fans, the Prince and Princess of Wales as they brushed shoulders with the internet royalty during a hilarious video
‘With the Bernard Hunter crane ready to go, I had a moment to think about the extensive career of this little workhorse – the millions of people that it’s transported to work and nights out, to see family, the things it’s witnessed.
‘The tears, the laughing, the vomit, urine and probably…other bits.
‘To think this was all going to be torn apart and melted down into nothingness. Keeping this Powercar alive keeps the memories alive and to say that I’ve been part of this preservation effort is a great privilege.
‘All of these Powercars would be gone if it weren’t for Ben Denton-Cardew and Tom Keeling. Well done guys.’
Since his first TikTok clip, back in February 2021, excitable Francis has risen to social media superstardom.
He now commands a following of millions, with his TikTok account boasting more than 3.2million fans, while his Instagram has 2.5million.
Previously speaking about his hobby during an interview with This Morning, he said: ‘I was just fixated by these big machines.
‘Ever since, I’ve had a passion for trains, cars, planes.’
In January 2022, the 6ft 3ins TikToker was revealed as the face of the new Gucci and North Face campaign
In the set of photos, Francis could be seen taking payments in the ticket office, directing travellers on the train and serving breakfast (pictured)
As well as his links with Gucci, Francis has also enjoyed time on the red carpet at the NME Awards at London’s O2 Academy Brixton with his girlfriend Amy Linkin in 2022
In January 2022, the 6ft 3ins TikToker was revealed as the face of the new Gucci and North Face campaign. In a clip shared by Highsnobiety, Francis could be seen acting as a train platform announcer while travellers wearing trendy Gucci x North Face outfits boarded his service.
Sharing the advert, the brand wrote: ‘It’s full steam ahead for @gucci and @thenorthface as they take their second collaboration to the tracks with TikTok star and trainspotter @francis_bourgeois43.
‘With the bold collection focusing on exploration and outdoor activities, there’s no one better than Bourgeois to bring it all to life.’
As well as his links with Gucci, Francis has also enjoyed time on the red carpet at the NME Awards at London’s O2 Academy Brixton with his girlfriend Amy Linkin.
Later that year, Chloe Burrows joined the trainspotter in a clip shared by Channel Four.
During her special appearance, Chloe helped Francis, ‘audition’ for Love Island after she appeared on the show during season seven.
Chloe, now 29, stripped off into a racy G-string one piece as the pair went for a swim, where Francis strutted his stuff pretending he was on Love Island. For his bit, Francis stripped off into a pair of Transport For London Budgy Smugglers which made Chloe laugh.
‘They’re really nice, yeah,’ Chloe said with a laugh.
Later that year, Chloe Burrows joined Francis in a new clip shared by Channel Four.
During her special appearance, Chloe helped Francis, ‘audition’ for Love Island after she appeared on the show during season seven
Chloe stripped off into a racy G-string one piece as the pair went for a swim, where Francis strutted his stuff pretending he was on Love Island
‘I suppose laughing at other people’s swimwear is another part of Love Island you don’t see,’ Francis said in a hilarious voice over.
And in 2023 Francis was joined by his most royal fans, the Prince and Princess of Wales as they brushed shoulders with the internet royalty during a hilarious video.
The couple travelled from Acton to Tottenham Court Road on the Elizabeth Line to visit the Dog and Duck pub in Soho.
In an attempt to reach a ‘younger audience’, Palace aides invited the train enthusiast – who lives in Battersea, London – to meet the royal couple at the end of their journey.
The social media star then posted a hilarious video his interaction with Kate and William.
