2021 October New Releases

Ref: KF295D

Price:£12.95

The full story of how the "Poppy Line" was purchased and restored as Norfolk's leading Heritage Railway!

Filmed over a number of years, this story looks back at the very beginnings of the line as the MGNJR Society took over the 5-mile line from Sheringham to Holt.

We see rare archive film of the final days in British Railways’ ownership including the very last freight train to depart from Sheringham and Anglia Television’s Bob Wellings at a derelict Weybourne Station in 1966, plus the last days at Melton Constable.

Full of nostalgia and up-to-date footage of steam operations over the heritage line with all classes of locomotives. Dads Army recreation days are viewed at Weybourne bringing some humour to the railway which is now one of the most important attractions in Norfolk

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 4:3 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD

Running Time: 68-mins (1hr 8min) approx , Colour and B&W
.

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Ref: FT147D

Price:£19.96

Due to an abundance of excellent material, this film is now a double disc edition, with a running time of 2 hours 44 minutes!

1st Take’s quest to revisit the Branch Lines of England now takes a particularly interesting turn, as we explore the varied railway landscape of Worcestershire with eminent author Colin Maggs.

These routes range from parts of the Severn Valley Railway – now one of the country’s longest and best preserved lines – to what were once main lines, including the one which ran between Droitwich Spa and Lye. At the other end of the scale are those which have always been branches, such as that from Stourbridge Junction to Stourbridge Town, allegedly the shortest in Europe. You will also enjoy a special report on the recent extension of the delightful Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway to the Worcestershire town of Broadway, as we explore the former Honeybourne Line.

The basic pattern of railways in Worcestershire was relatively simple. The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, known from its initials as the ‘Old Worse & Worse’ ran east to west across the southern half of Worcestershire and then turned north to bisect the county. In 1860 it became part of the West Midland Railway, and three years later it was absorbed by the Great Western Railway. The Midland Railway had a main line which ran north to south through the county, roughly parallel with that of the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, and also a branch from Barnt Green through Redditch, Alcester and Evesham to Ashchurch, which could be used as an alternative route. This part of the county’s rail network was the first to see electrification, and recently benefited from a £1bn investment.

The Worcester area – with its ‘Vinegar Branch’ and Butts and Riverside branch – is rich in history. Other lines featured include the Great Malvern-Ripple branch, the Halesowen branch, and the Bromyard Junction-Suckley branch, which entered Herefordshire. Remote, rural delights are also uncovered on the Bewdley-Newnham Bridge branch, which skirted the Shropshire border.

Join us as we take a trip back in time to discover how, why and when these branches were built, and what survives today, on this special two-disc edition. Our evocative tour of Worcestershire is enhanced with interviews, rare archive photographs, stunning location film and maps. You can also enjoy brief excerpts of colour archive footage from the Barnt Green-Redditch line, the Great Malvern-Ripple line and the Bromyard Junction-Suckley line.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Filmed by/when: Steve Richards ab=nd Andy Warren
Narrated by: Dave Rogers
Written by: Colin G Maggs, MBE
First published on DVD: September 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD & 4:3 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 2 DVD-R

Running Time: 164-mins (2hr 40min) , Colour and B & W
.

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Ref: TV0081D

Price:£19.96

A look at the world famous works at Swindon from the days of the Great Western Railway to the present day.

Swindon was the centrepiece of the Great Western Railway and turned out an impressive range of locomotives from the 1840s right up to the present day. This programme explores the Works using a range of archive film through the days of the GWR to the Western Region of British Railways right up until closure in 1986.

A history of Swindon Works throughout the days of the GWR. Includes early film of the works, the production of locomotives including the ‘Star’ and ‘King’ Class to the days of British Railways and the diesel era.

The 1970s with a look at the Western Regions diesel hydraulics undergoing attention in the famous ‘A’ Shop. The visit of 6000 ‘King George Vth’ is featured making a visit in 1971 along with a works open day. Various stock is also shown around the site.

Closure in 1986 with views of the site and withdrawn and stored rolling stock.

The steam locomotives produced at Swindon including the ‘Kings’, ‘Halls’, ‘Castles’, ‘Manors’, Pannier and Prairie tanks, 9Fs including 92220 ‘Evening Star’.

The diesel era with ‘Westerns’ and ‘Warships’.

Swindon Steam Shed in the 1950s and 1960s including visiting locomotives.

The railway through Swindon seen in steam days from trains passing the works and on the approach lines along with the station.

Swindon Works and the survivors of the works in recent years

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 10th. October 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 70-mins (1hr 10min)

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Ref: TV2202D

Price:£13.99

NEWS & EVENTS Extended News from around the Network

91s back in service on East Coast Main Line – Network Rail 37s over Central Wales Line – Class 47 moves over Midland Main Line – Class 465 & 466 moves to Worksop – Test trains around the network with 37s including to Sheringham and the ‘Caroline’ saloon – Class 20s on main line freight – ‘Jolly Fisherman’ Railtour to Skegness – COLAS Grid action around the Network – Class 73s on sleepers and on test trains – Pacers on the Llanelli & Mynydd Maur Railway – test trains in South West Wales – West Coast 33 on Chiltern line – Last 70s to Boulby mine – Class 60s – 40 013 ‘Adania’ on the main line & ‘Welsh Marches Whistler’ & ‘The Bristol 40’ – 31 466 on SVR – West Country loco haulage – HST Stock moves – ‘Blue Pullman’ on tour – 47 773 on test runs – ‘Northern Belle’ – ‘Sinfin Syphon’ Railtour – Class 60 special to Alnmouth – DRS Class 37s on freight in East Anglia – Class 69 move – GBRF 50s to Worcester – D7612 on Mid Hants freight – KESR hired in Class 14 – ‘Blue Boys Merrymixer’ SPA Valley diesel gala – PLUS MUCH MORE

Cambrian Crossing with summer trains crossing the Barmouth Bridge including Class 37s in the 1990s.

Gateway to East Anglia. Ely North Junctions and a range of traffic past & present. Class 31s, Class 20s and Class 60s are shown in the 1980s and 1990s along with traffic from the Summer of 2021. Class 60s, Class 56s and Class 20s are shown on freight workings alongside a range of excursion and freight traffic.

Great Eastern Veterans with freight and passenger traffic on the line to Clacton and Ipswich including Class 37s and Class 90s.

Special Trains during the Summer of 2021 including 40 145 and 90 002 on charters to Euston, the Belmond Pullman on the Midland Main Line, Double Headed 47s on ‘The Yorkshire Coast Statesman’, Class 50s to Margate, 50 and 66 haulage to the Severn Valley Railway. Class 37s to Hereford, the Highland Scotsman, Class 86 ‘Les Ross’ in action and Class 20s on the Shakespeare Express.

HSTs on Tour including the ‘Staycation Express’ on the Settle & Carlisle and the ‘Blue Pullman’ on the Central Wales Line.

Midsummer Freight over Shap and through Carlisle with a range of freight traffic.

Parting Shots featuring Class 37s and other veteran power around the network in recent weeks on stock movements and excursions.

Availability: AVAILABLE

Cover photo: From video.
Filmed by/when: Mick Newey, Ian Brownrigg, Michael Field, Derek Riley, Andy Main, Thomas Coombes, Bob Herbert, Keith Doubleday, Anthony Kay, Paul Davies.
Narrated by: David Powell
Edited by: Steph South
First published on DVD: October 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD **LIMITED STOCK**

Running Time: 110-mins (1hr 50min) approx , Colour
.

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Ref: TV1175D

Price:£13.99

MAIN LINE STEAM DIARY: - Summer 2021

31806 light engine move and Fathers Day special to Portsmouth. 35028 ‘Clan Line’ on Surrey Hills VSOE circuit. 34028 ‘Braunton’ on a ‘Fellsman’ over the Settle & Carlisle, ‘The Lakelander’ over Shap & return via the Cumbrian Coast. 35018 ‘British India Line’ on a ‘Cumbrian Mountain Express’ over Shap & Ais Gill, the ‘Bournemouth Express’ & ‘The End of Southern Steam’ to Yeovil and back via Weymouth, ‘The Pendle Statesman’ to Carlisle and ‘The Waveley’ over the S & C. Black 5 45231 charter over the Central Wales Line, the ‘Severn Valley Enterprise’ including Old Hill Bank. 45690 ‘Leander’ on the ‘North Wales Coast Express’ and ‘The Pendle Statesman’. 45596 ‘Bahamas’ on special from Paddington to Westbury and Salisbury including Upton Scudamore bank, ‘The Kentish Belle’ to Faversham, ‘The Royal Duchy & ‘The Dorset Coast Express’. 46100 ‘Royal Scot’ on ‘English Riviera Express’, ‘The Bristol Harbour Express’, ‘The Settle and Carlisle Statesman’ & ‘The Welsh Marches Express. 46115 ‘Scots Guardsman’ on a Dalesman’ over Ais Gill & Shap – ‘The Pendle Statesman’, ‘The Welsh Mountaineer’ to Blaneau Festiniog plus an unassisted Dalesman over Shap. 6201 ‘Princess Elizabeth’ on two runs of the ‘Settle & Carlisle Steam Special’ with scenes on the climb to Shap. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ on tour to Scotland and on ‘The Waverley’. B1 ‘Mayflower’ tour to Portsmouth and Southend plus the ‘Royal Windsor Express. 60163 ‘Tornado’ on the ‘Royal Duchy’, ‘The Cheshireman’ from Euston to Chester, ‘The Viking Explorer’ and on tour over Beattock to Carnforth.

News & Events. A1 ‘Tornado’ on the Swanage Railway – Strathspeys Black 5 5025 returns to service – SPA Valley Railways ‘Summer Steam Up’ featuring ‘Sir Keith Park’ running as classmate 34095 ‘Brentnor, Terrier ‘Knowle’ and Hunslet Austerity ‘Douglas’ – 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ on the East Lancs Railway.

Eastern Steam featuring B1 ‘Mayflower’ on runs from Norwich to Bury St Edmunds.

Scotsman on Tour. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ on tour from Edinburgh and over Forth Bridge on ‘The Edinburgh Flyer’ plus tours South of the Border including the Settle & Carlisle.

Through the Cumbrian Hills with 45690 ‘Leander’, 60163 ‘Tornado’ and 46115 ‘Scots Guardsman’ in action in the North of England during the Summer.

Steam on the Lickey featuring 46100 ‘Royal Scot’ and Black 5 45231 on the ‘Bristol 40’ on the unassisted ascent of the Lickey during the Summer from various vantage points on the famous incline.

*****ONLY AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST*****

Availability: WHILE STOCKS LAST
Filmed by/when: Mick Newey, Michael Field, Mike Hall, Ian Brownrigg, Phil Morrell, Frances Morrell, Alan Allbuary, Anthony Kay, Andy Main, Doug Boulton, Graeme Aldous, Paul Davis, David Birt, Nadia.
Narrated by: Graeme Aldous
Edited by: Steph South
First published on DVD: October 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD **LIMITED STOCK**

Running Time: 106-mins (1hr 46min) approx , Colour
.

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Ref: LP535D

Price:£19.90

FREIGHT TRAFFIC & TRACTION: GBRf’s 56081 hauling brand new 701 & 720 units; 37402 & 37407 reach Westbury on a ballast; WCRC’s 37668 on a tamper tow; 56312 returns to active service for GBRf; 20118 & 20132 collecting Cappagh box wagons from Long Marston; Freightliner’s Class 86s bow out of service; GBRf’s 69001 undergoing testing on the Severn Valley Railway; Colas Rail’s 56302 ventures to Dollands Moor and Okehampton; DRS’s 37716 on the Inverness-Mossend ‘Tesco Express’; 56090 ballasting on the Stourbridge Town branch; GBRf takes over the Colnbrook aviation fuel tanks; HNRC’s 20901 returns to traffic; DB Cargo’s Pullman-liveried Class 67s hauling a milling machine to Swindon; Colas duo 56049 & 56105 on hire to DCR; GBRf snaps up more Euro Class 66s; DB Cargo 66s return from France...and 57002 rescuing 88001 on the Dagenham-Garston cars. .

PASSENGER TRACTION, RAILTOURS & SPECIALS: a convoy of four Class 91s heading to Newport Docks for breaking - followed by LNER reinstating several of the Class after the Hitachi ‘Azuma’ fleet is grounded; ROG Class 37s rescuing Greater Anglia failed ‘Flirts’; 40013 Andania returns to main line action with LSL; 66737 & 50007 working the Belmond British Pullman; 57306 delivering a rake of c2c ‘Electrostars’ to GWR; 47812 hauling redundant Grand Central Mark 4s to Worksop for store; 20107 working solo on the South Wales Main Line; 57304 on a Pendolino rescue mission; 67006 hauling the Royal Train to the G7 summit in Cornwall; the final HST service on the Midland Main Line...and ROG delivering refurbished SWR 442 ‘Wessex’ units back to Bournemouth depot – followed by GBRf taking them back to Wolverton Works for component recovery!

THERE's ALSO: ROG’s four Class 47s are sold to WCRC; Boden Rail’s 37240 taking Network Rail DVTs to Long Marston; 73201 hauling London Underground’s 4TC set along the Great Western Main Line; a new-look 50008 returns to main line action on test runs from Eastleigh; 20007 & 20142 delivering the 125 Group’s HST to Butterley; 66752 dragging a fire-damaged tamper to Tonbridge Yard; Greater Anglia Class 321 and Heathrow Express 332 units being towed to the breakers yard; 60028 hauling LNWR’s new ‘Aventra’ 730101 to Derby; Colas Rail’s 67023 on a DVT move to Long Marston; 20118 & 20132 on the East Grinstead branch hauling a tamper; the first working of 37263 in preservation... and newly-repainted locos 47773 and Clayton D8568 debut at the SVR diesel gala.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Narrated by: David Maxey
First published on DVD: 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 100-mins (1hr 40min)

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Ref: LP537D

Price:£19.90

The first train from London to Sheffield Park via East Grinstead for over 50 years!

March 28th 2013 was a significant day in the history of the Bluebell Railway. Following the completion and opening of the £12 million extension from Kingscote to East Grinstead, the railway received its first ‘through train’ from London to Sheffield Park since 1963. This volume is a cab ride filmed on board that first historic train, which was operated by GB?Railfreight who provided newly re-painted 66739 for the occasion.

Immediately after setting off with ‘The Blue Belle’ charter train from London Victoria, the Class 66 first has to tackle the short sharp 1 in 62 climb to cross the River Thames. Then comes the complex rail network and a series of junctions as the train heads through the south London suburbs of Brixton, Herne Hill, Tulse Hill and Crystal Palace to Norwood Junction. At South Croydon Junction it diverges onto the Oxted branch to travel through the steeply graded Caterham Valley, through the Surrey towns of Sanderstead, Woldingham and Hurst Green. After passing through Lingfield and Dormans the train reaches East Grinstead, where it proceeds over the short connection linking the national rail network to the 11-mile long Bluebell Railway. The impressive Imberhorne viaduct is followed by the restored Imberhorne cutting, which for several decades had been a landfill site! Then come the delightful stations at Kingscote and Horsted Keynes. At Sheffield Park a large crowd is waiting to greet the arrival of the first train from London via East Grinstead in 55 years. The naming ceremony of 66739 at Horsted Keynes completes a historic occasion for the railway.

Although this cab ride is not billed as a Wired for Sound programme, the audio of the Class 66 at full power - with a trailing load of twelve coaches and two dead Class 73s - is quite impressive! This Locomaster DVD – issued in 2021 - is a digitally re-mastered version of the programme that was originally only available from the Bluebell Railway.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Narrated by: David Maxey
First published on DVD: 2013 but remastered & reissued 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 110-mins (1hr 50min) , Colour
.

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Ref: TFCS002D

Price:£23.00

A return cab-ride journey aboard a Class 92 (light engine) of GBRf from Polmadie Depot in Glasgow to Midcalder Jct near Kirknewton passing through Newton East Jct, Uddingston, Uddingston Jct, Bellshill, Mossend West Jct, Mossend East Jct, Holytown, Holytown Jct, Carfin, Cleland, Hartwood, Shotts, Fauldhouse, Breich, Addiewell, West Calder & Livingston South before terminating at Midcalder Jct close to Kirknewton. We then change ends for the return journey to Polamdie Depot.

(There is some occasional picture interference during deceleration)

Availability: AVAILABLE
Filmed by/when: Paul Diggens
First published on DVD: October 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Origination: Digital DV

Running Time: 100-mins (1hr 40min) , Colour
.

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Ref: TFSCR009D

Price:£26.99

A cab-ride from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen aboard a Class 170 (3 car unit) of Scotrail calling at or passing through Haymarket, South Gyle, Edinburgh Gateway, Dalmeny, North Queensferry, Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Aberdour, Burntisland, Kinghorn, Kirkcaldy, Markinch, Ladybank, Springfield, Cupar, Leuchars, Dundee, Broughty Ferry, Balmossie, Monifieth, Barry Links, Golf Street, Carnoustie, Arbroath, Montrose, Laurencekirk, Stonehaven & Portlethen before terminating at Aberdeen.

Filmed over different days.

Disk 1: Edinburgh Waveley to Dundee

Disk 2: Dundee to Aberdeen

Availability: NEW RELEASE
Filmed by/when: Paul Diggens
Narrated by: Paul Diggens
First published on DVD: October 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 2x DVD-R
Origination: Digital Video

Running Time: 143-mins (2hr 23min) , Colour
.

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Ref: FT148D

Price:£14.95

Complete your ‘Discovering Devon’ collection with this fourth and final volume, which celebrates the county’s magnificent northern region.

Join writer and presenter Henry Buckton, as he explores some of the finest coastal scenery in England, and makes the occasional detour inland to uncover places that have helped to shape the history and culture of the area. Your tour begins at South Molton, which is often described as the gateway to Exmoor, and continues to the pretty village of Swimbridge, where one of Britain’s most popular dogs was first officially bred.

We reach the coast at the unique Westward Ho!, the only place in England which has an exclamation mark in its name, and which was created because of a book by Charles Kingsley. Nearby is Northam Burrows, on the edge of which is the Royal North Devon Golf Club, the cradle of English golf. Your journey also includes the picturesque village of Appledore, which was rewarded by Elizabeth I for helping to defeat the Spanish Armada, and Bideford, famous for its Long Bridge over the River Torridge, and which was once the third largest port in Britain. Similarly, Fremington Quay, today a peaceful backwater, was once a hive of trading activity.

The area’s largest town is Barnstaple, recorded in 917 as one of the famous burhs founded by Alfred the Great, and which boasts its own Long Bridge over the River Taw. Braunton, often referred to as Devon’s largest village, also has a fascinating past, and contains one of only two surviving strip field farming systems in England. Woolacombe is dominated by large villas and fine hotels, but was known as the ‘Valley of the Wolves’ in Domesday; while neighbouring Ilfracombe benefited from passengers arriving on steam packets, and later by rail, to become a grand Victorian holiday resort. Your Devon odyssey concludes at the spectacular twin settlements of Lynton and Lynmouth: separate places joined together by history and a world famous funicular railway.

This wonderful journey, which also features many other towns, villages and places of interest, is illustrated by stunning modern film, rare archive images and historic maps, as well as enlightening interviews with a wide variety of contributors.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Narrated by: Henry Buckton
First published on DVD: September 2021
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 97-mins (1hr 37min) , Colour and B&W
.

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