Intermodal transport in UK was good in the 1950s. When I first went from Newport, South Wales to college in London, I had lodgings in South Woodford (NE London).

Travelling by train, I could send advance luggage at a very low rate. My cabin trunk was collected by GWR horse and cart from home, taken to Newport Station. Then by main line rail to London, through London overnight to Stratford and delivered to South Woodford by carter's van.

Phil