Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13370 in DVD
• Released on: 2009-04-27
• Rating: Exempt
• Format: PAL
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 163 minutes

Synopsis
A nostalgic look back to the history of Britain's railways between 1948 and 1961. Topics in the programme include: the formation of the British Transport Commission, an overview of British Rail's Standard Class steam locomotives, the 1955 modernisation plan, first generation diesel-electric locomotives and much, much more.

Customer Reviews

Really interesting archive footage and intelligent commentary
I was bought this DVD and my first opinion was that it may be an amateurish production with cobbled together footage, but I must say I was very impressed with the production and the commentary. The footage is a mixture of black and white and wonderful colour footage from the 1950s onwards the latter of which particularly brings home how the railways looked and worked back then, it all seems a million miles from our railways today. The footage is laid out in a logical sequence, covers a surprisingly wide range of topics and a good job has been made of adding sound to the obviously silent originals.

The only small criticism I have is the interviewing of Colin Divall, he has much to say which is interesting to hear, but the set up is poor with an annoying window reflection in Colin's glasses and a backdrop of a couple of shelves of books and a mug! Still this is only a minor thing and didn't spoil my enjoyment of the DVD which for 2 1/2 hours of quality viewing is excellent value for money. I'm very much looking forward to watching the next volume (apart from the obviously depressing nature of the Beeching era)!

British Railways - The early Years
Excellent overview of the subject and provider of much missing historical information - first class "people" aspects too with interviews about the human side of being an engine driver in the days of steam - thank you for this DVD

Education and Nostalgia
Some fascinating footage, some previously unpublished. The commentary is intelligent and well researched.

I recommend this DVD to anyone with a serious interest in railways.