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You Won’t Believe What This TikTok Star Just Bought

BBG News

He’s racked up a legion of die-hard followers with his eccentric and loveable trainspotting videos.

After much persistence, Francis Bourgeois was able to buy a train of his own, thus preventing it from being demolished and turned into scrap metal.

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.

‘It’s a Glasgow Subway Powercar, let’s have a look.

The Glasgow Subway has recently retired its beloved vintage trains, but without a new home, these vehicles could potentially be dismantled.

‘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.

As I found myself being skillfully maneuvered by one of the local Clayton shunters, I couldn’t help but imagine that I was at the helm myself!

After that, the rail specialist mimicked a subway announcer, adopting a Scottish tone as he declared: “The upcoming stop is Govan.

Francis went on to say: “Subway Powercars are being positioned, then lifted from the ground and hoisted aloft by a crane one at a time.

‘In preparation of mine being lifted, I notice some of the cushions had a mature urine smell, which I suppose adds to its character?

Reflecting on the imminent deployment of my trusty Bernard Hunter crane, I couldn’t help but ponder over its remarkable journey through the years – carrying countless individuals to their jobs, social engagements, and family gatherings, silently witnessing a myriad of life events.

‘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.

Without Ben Denton-Cardew and Tom Keeling, all these Powercars would have vanished. Great job, fellows!

It’s thanks to Ben Denton-Cardew and Tom Keeling that we still have the Powercars around. Well done, guys!

Ever since he posted his initial TikTok video in February 2021, Francis’s enthusiasm catapulted him to the heights of internet fame as a social media sensation.

Currently, he enjoys the loyalty of millions, as his TikTok amasses over 3.2 million followers, and his Instagram counts 2.5 million among its followers.

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 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.’ 

Apart from his ties with Gucci, Francis has also spent time on the red carpet alongside his girlfriend Amy Linkin at the NME Awards held at London’s O2 Academy Brixton.

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.

Francis joked that making fun of other people’s swimsuits is another aspect of Love Island that isn’t shown,” Francis said in a funny tone.

In the year 2023, Francis was accompanied by his esteemed royal admirers, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Together, they shared laughter and camaraderie with digital royalty in a lighthearted video.

The pair journeyed along the Elizabeth Line, moving from Acton to Tottenham Court Road, with the intention of stopping by the Dog and Duck pub located 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.

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2025-03-17 21:45

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