Wired for Sound Cab Ride Series

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GB Railfreight’s ‘GBRf 15’ charity train in September 2016 will almost certainly be the railtour of the decade. The 2,220 mile four-day tour featured an astonishing 19 locomotives and raised £125,000 for charity. This cab ride DVD covers the first day of the tour – and what a day it was. The 365-mile trip started at London Victoria with Railfreight-liveried 20118+20132 setting off for Fratton in Hampshire. 73128+73213 then worked the train forward to Swanage before the two Class 20s headed back to London via Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, Westbury and Reading. With plenty of sunlit landscapes, a fascinating route and some serious thrash, it made for the ultimate Class 20 WIRED?FOR?SOUND cab ride.

The complex route out of London is via Herne Hill, Tulse Hill, Streatham and Tooting to Wimbledon. At Raynes Park, the 20s head to Epsom and continue through the equally unfamiliar locations of Leatherhead and Dorking. They then blast their way across the North Downs to Horsham where they join the Mid-Sussex route through Pulborough to Arundel Junction. From there, the journey continues along the West Coastway route through Barnham and Chichester to Fratton. Our cameras and microphones had a break while lineside footage shows 73128+73213 working the train forward to Swanage. We re-join the Class 20s in the Dorset seaside town and head over the Swanage Railway and through the Purbeck Hills past Corfe Castle to re-join the Weymouth to Bournemouth main line at Worgret Junction. After Poole comes the day’s biggest challenge as the two Class 20s - with load 11 and two dead 73s on the back of the train - tackle the notorious 1 in 60 Parkstone bank. After passing through Bournemouth there’s a scenic run through the New Forest to the fascinating Southampton suburbs. From Eastleigh the wall-to-wall sunshine eventually works against the camera so we skip that section and resume the cab-ride from a standing start at Salisbury. There’s a lively run to Wilton Junction where the train takes the delightful Wylye Valley route through Bapton and Warminster to the freight hub of Westbury. The 20s are on full power again as they tackle yet more rare ‘Chopper’ track - the Berks & Hants route. The sun eventually sets eighteen miles later at Woodborough Loop. After a delightful lineside shot of the train at Newbury, we see the nocturnal arrival at Reading from the cab. The programme ends with the day’s most extraordinary track scratch – the view from the cab of 73213 as it emerges from Gasworks tunnel into King’s Cross station!

This is without doubt one of the best cab rides we have ever filmed. In fact it was so good that we couldn’t pick the best leg of the day - hence the programme is nearly three-and-a-half hours long!

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2016

Running time: 210-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
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Between 1967 and 1969, British Railways ran loco-hauled services from London Waterloo through to Swanage using either Class 33s or 73s and two 4TC sets. Fifty years after those services last ran, Class 33 D6515 made a nostalgic trip along the same route, displaying the authentic 98 headcode. This cab ride is a record of the 82 miles of that journey from Basingstoke to Swanage. The stock of this August 2019 charter train comprised London Underground’s 4TC set with 73107 on the rear of the train, making the formation the equivalent of load 8.

The Class 33 was booked for plenty of 85mph running over what was once familiar Crompton territory. The 59-year-old B&RCW Type 3 is in fine fettle and put in an excellent performance - as can be heard from the superb WIRED FOR SOUND Sulzer soundtrack.

After a spirited departure from Basingstoke, the Class 33 makes a lively run through Winchester, Eastleigh and Micheldever to Southampton Central where it stops for a crew change. After passing the vast Freightliner terminal and the Fawley branch, the Crompton powers across the New Forest, passing Brockenhurst, New Milton and Christchurch before arriving under Bournemouth’s magnificent station roof. The journey continues through Branksome to Poole. After passing through the tight curve of Poole station, the Class 33 passes the site of the former Holes Bay Junction, where more than forty years ago in May 1977, D6515 worked the final freight to Wimbourne.

After crossing Holes Bay and passing through Hamworthy, the Crompton pauses at Wareham to pick up the Swanage Railway pilotman. A mile later, D6515 leaves the main line at Worgret Junction to take the scenic Swanage branch. The line descends sharply to cross the River Frome, after which the loco is on full power again for the 1 in 78 climb up to Furzebrook. After encountering the first semaphore signals of the journey at Norden, the line passes under the shadow of Corfe Castle. The Class 33 rounds off a memorable journey with a non-stop run through Harmans Cross before arriving at Swanage alongside Crompton classmate 33111.

This programme was produced with the assistance of GB Railfreight and 71A Locomotives.

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Narrated by: David Maxey
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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R

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

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June 2001 marked the end of another chapter in railway history when Class 37s ended their association with freight traffic on the West Highland Line. The passing of the class on this traffic is commemorated in this ‘Wired for Sound’ spectacular as cameras and microphones are placed on board Freightliner’s 7D54 Fort William-Coatbridge. The programme not only features footage from the footplate of 37 603 but also a series of superb lineside shots of the train.

Having marshalled the wagons in the British Alcan plant at Fort William, 37 603 hauls the train the short distance into the station, where after a run-round, the loco sets off on a tortuous 140 mile journey with a consignment of aluminium ingots. Thanks to a wet start, skilful driving is needed to ensure that 37 603 gets to grips with its 400-tonne trailing load! The first stage of the journey involves a massive 28-mile climb through Spean Bridge, the Monessie Gorge and Tulloch to the 1,350 foot high summit at Corrour. The 37 takes a well-earned breather in the sunshine on the drop to Rannoch (via the Cruach snow sheds) before growling its way across the desolate uphill landscape of Rannoch Moor to the passing loop at Gortan. Another drop ensues to Bridge of Orchy which marks the start of a 6-mile slog via to County March summit via the spectacular Horseshoe Curve which is taken at full bore. After running downhill through Crianlarich to Ardlui there follows a delightful 8-mile section of route to Arrochar and Tarbet as the train skirts Loch Lomond in a series of ‘ups and downs’ and tight curves. The departure from Arrochar and Tarbet marks the start of a four-mile 1 in 57 climb to Glen Douglas, a climb so severe that the Class 37 begins to wheelslip as it slogs its way towards the summit.

At Craigendoran the train reaches the shores of the Clyde estuary which it follows through Cardross, Dalreoch and Bowling. The Glasgow suburbs are reached at Dalmuir where the 7D54 weaves its way across the city via Westerton, Cowlairs and Springburn. There then follows a short sharp climb to Stepps before continuing to Gartcosh Junction and Gartsherrie South Junction. Arrival at the Coatbridge Freightliner terminal signals not only the end of the 140-mile journey, but also the end of an era.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2001

Running time: 110-mins

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Take 1,700 tonnes of hot rolled steel, haul it over 140 miles of fierce gradients with a single Class 56, and you have all the ingredients for a train that is hot, heavy, long and LOUD! Add some fine scenery and plenty of semaphore signals and you have the fascinating journey on board the 6M84 Llanwern-Dee Marsh steel train. It is also a journey of contrasting landscapes, from the lowlands of South Wales to the delightful countryside of the Welsh Marches. This is a digitally re-mastered and extended version of the VHS title which was filmed in May 1996.

Traction for the train is provided by 56 032 which was specially Wired for Sound for the trip. The journey starts at Margam TMD (which is packed full of 37s, 56s and 60s) from where we travel light engine to Llanwern steelworks to collect a consignment of hot rolled steel destined for British Steel’s finishing plant at Shotton.

With a 1,700-tonne load in tow, 56 032 is soon into its stride as it ‘wheelslips’ on the wet rail as it passes East Usk Yard. At Maindee Junction we turn onto on the Welsh Marches route to tackle the stiff climb to Pontypool Road.

From Abergavenny it’s semaphores all the way as the 56 pounds its way up the notorious 1 in 82 Llanvihangel bank. With the loco on maximum power and in virtual meltdown, speed is down to little more than 20 miles an hour!

It’s then downhill through Tram Inn and Pontrilas to Hereford. After that there’s the 36 mile slog through Ludlow and Craven Arms to the summit at Little Stretton.

There are a couple of breathers though – first for a speed restriction at Leominster, then for a brief pathing stop in Wooferton Loop, and finally a signal check on the approach to Craven Arms. All of these require the 56 to be on full power to get the train on the move again.

After Little Stretton summit, the 56 descends through Dorrington to Shrewsbury from where departure marks the start of a taxing 15 mile climb to Weston Rhyn. That’s followed by the crossings of the magnificent Chirk and Dee viaducts.

After descending to Wrexham, there’s more serious thrash for 56 032 as it tackles the 9-mile 1 in 83 climb through Penyffordd to Buckley, before dropping down to the banks of the River Dee at Shotton. At Hawarden Bridge, we turn into Dee Marsh Yard; journey’s end for our 56 and its Hot & Heavy load.

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Cover photo: Paul Furtek
Published by: Locomaster Profiles
Filmed by/when: 1996. Digitally re-mastered 2008 plus extra footage.
Narrated by: David Maxey
First published on DVD: 1998 on VHS, 2008 on DVD
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R

Running Time: 115-mins (1hr 55min)

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By the autumn of 2013, the 87 miles of route between Werrington Junction (north of Peterborough) and Bessacarr Junction (south of Doncaster) was the longest remaining stretch of semaphore signalled track left in Britain. This cab-ride over the former GN&GE Joint Line, filmed on a glorious autumn day on a diverted East Coast HST, shows this delightfully antiquated route at its best. Despite the line undergoing extensive modernisation, there were still numerous signal boxes, semaphore signals and manually operated crossing gates still in operation, most of which were due to go by 2014.

The first three miles of the journey are along the East Coast Main Line from Peterborough to Werrington Junction where the diverted Kings Cross to Aberdeen HST takes the Joint Line to head through the rural backwaters of Lincolnshire to Spalding. North of Spalding the route is dotted with numerous wooden crossing gates which are still operated by crossing keepers. At Sleaford (which still had four manual signal boxes) we avoid the towns Avoiding Line and instead pass through the station before taking the single track section to Sleaford North Junction. The journey continues across the Fens through Metheringham before passing through the busy rail hub of Lincoln. After Pyewipe Junction, the semaphore signals and manual boxes at Saxilby and Stow Park are in their final months of operation, while at Gainsborough Lea Road the derelict signalbox awaits demolition. Just around the corner we cross the Grimsby to Sheffield route at Gainsborough Trent Junction, where several semaphores are in their final months of operation. The last leg of the journey is through Beckingham and Finningley to Bessacarr Junction on the southern outskirts of Doncaster. A series of junctions follow in quick succession as we pass Decoy and Belmont Yards before briefly re-joining the East Coast Main Line at Sand Bank Junction to travel the short distance into Doncaster station.

The programme was filmed in 16:9 widescreen and the accompanying soundtrack is that of HST power car 43319’s MTU power unit.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2013

Running time: 110-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
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A nostalgic cab ride over one of Britain’s more antiquated rail routes – the Medway Valley line between Strood and Paddock Wood. It was filmed in September 1996 when the route still had plenty of semaphore signals, manual crossing gates and an array of vintage signal boxes – some of which date back to the late 1800’s. The semaphores have now all gone, as have several of the boxes, and the remaining ones will be swept away by further modernisation in 2015. Many disused sidings and rail terminals were still evident at the time of the journey, recalling days when cement production was buoyant in the area. This journey back in time was filmed on board a train that has also been consigned to history - the 7T56 Hoo Junction to East Peckham Civil Engineers trip. The featured locomotive for the journey is 33030 - one of only eight Crompton’s that remained in traffic with Mainline Freight at the time.

The outward run is via Strood, Cuxton, Snodland, Maidstone West, Wateringbury and Yalding to Paddock Wood. There, the Class 33 runs round its train in the station before heading back north the two miles to the disposal point at East Peckham where the train reverses into the siding. After the ‘Rudd’ wagons have been unloaded, the Crompton re-traces its steps along the Medway Valley Line through East Farleigh, Aylesford and Cuxton back to Strood. There’s a rousing finale from the Class 33 as it blasts through Strood and Higham tunnels before arriving back at Hoo Junction. For good measure the locomotive was ‘Wired for Sound’ to capture the once-familiar sound of a Crompton hard at work on the Southern Region. As well as the antiquated railway infrastructure along the Medway valley, slam-door EMU’s were still regularly plying the route at the time. They are now long gone – as are the fleet of ‘Rudd’ wagons which formed the train.

This programme has been digitally re-mastered and includes an extra 30 minutes of footage not included in the original VHS version. It also has a new and updated narration provided by David Maxey.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 1997 VHS, 2013 DVD

Running time: 90-mins

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Join the footplate of 56096 for a nostalgic 104-mile coast-to-coast trip across the lowlands of Scotland from the Firth of Clyde to the Firth of Forth. The Grid is hauling the 7G80 Merry-Go-Round, conveying 1,150 tonnes of imported coal in HAA hoppers from the port of Hunterston on the Ayrshire coast to Longannet power station in Fife. To capture the full audio characteristics of the Type 5, the loco was specially Wired for Sound!

The journey begins with the stiff climb out of the Hunterston loading terminal up to West Kilbride. After skirting the coast at Saltcoats, the train heads through Dalry and Johnstone to reach the outskirts of Glasgow at Paisley. There then follows a complex 20-mile trek across the city via Shields Junction, Polmadie, Rutherglen, Coatbridge and Garqueen North junction. At Cumbernauld, the 7G80 continues onto the (then) freight-only line to Greenhill Lower Junction before encountering the semaphore-signalled junctions of Carmuirs West and East. It continues via Falkirk Grahamston, Polmont and Dalmeny before crossing one of Britain’s great railway structures - the magnificent Forth Bridge. Full power is resumed at North Queensferry for the run through Inverkeithing and Rosyth. The 56 is at full bore as it tackles the notorious 1 in 74 climb through Dunfermline up to Townhill. The 7G80 enters the sidings at Townhill where the loco runs round its train of HAA hoppers. After heading back through Dunfermline, the train diverges onto the (then) remains of the truncated line to Alloa. This 10-mile freight only branch provides some delightful scenery as it skirts the shores of the Forth before reaching Longannet power station. 56096 takes the East Arrival road to access the tightly curved track of the power station loop before the loco is put into ‘slow speed’ for the unloading operation. As the train enters the discharge terminal, the wagon doors are automatically opened so that the coal can drop onto the conveyor belt beneath the track. As the train exits the discharge terminal the wagon doors are then automatically closed.

So much has changed since this programme was filmed in 1999. Both EWS and their Class 56s are long gone. So have the vast fleet of HAA coal hoppers and the Carmuirs semaphores. Coal trains no longer cross the Forth Bridge…and Longannet power station has now closed, with the result that trains over the Alloa to Dunfermline route are now few and far between!

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2000 VHS, 20xx DVD

Running time: 115-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
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47 840 "North Star" was the fifth and final Virgin Trains Class 47 to be repainted into an historic livery to commemorate the end of Class 47 haulage on Cross Country services. Representing the corporate blue era, the locomotive was a regular performer on Western Region passenger services during the 1970s and early 1980s when it was numbered 47 077. On 19th.August 2002, the loco reverted to this historic identity wehn together with 47 847, it departed from penzance with Virgin's final loco-hauled 1M56 08:46 service to Manchester. Three days earlier, North Star was given a final solo outing on the same train. This programme combines cab and lineside footage from both journeys to provide a nostalgic record of Virgin's last long distance Class 47 hauled service.

To capture 47 840's "Sulzer" engine hard at work, the loco was specially "Wired for Sound". With a demanding set of timings, North Star is soon put through its paces as it tackles a series of Cornish gradients - the 10 mile climb from Hayle to Redruth, the 1 in 78 standing start from Truro, the short sharp climb from Par to Treverrin Tunnel and the impressive slog up to Largin Bank. After crossing the Royal Albert Bridge, 1M56 passes through the Plymouth suburbs before encountering the fearsome banks of Hemerdon and Dainton. There's a broef respite for the 47 as the train skirts the coastline aloing the seawall at Teignmouth and Dawlish before reaching Exeter, after which there is a spirited run up to Whiteball summit. Some fast running ensues to Bristol from where there is a rouding ascent to Filton. At Westerleigh Junction, 1M56 heads north through Yate and Cheltenham to Bromsgrove which is at the start of the infamous Lickey Incline. After reaching the summit at 40mph, the journey continues through the Birmingham suburbs to reach New Street station via Proof House Junction. The programme concludes with further scenes from 19th.August's commemorative farewell as 47 077 & 47 847 haul an additional 1Z56 Birmingham to Derby before both locos take their place in an historic livery line up at Toton MPD.

A wired-for-sound cab ride from Penzance to Birmingham in blue 47840.

Introduction by Chris Green

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2003

Running time: 120-mins

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The closure of Ipswich Tunnel for eight weeks in the summer of 2004 provided the opportunity of travelling between London and Norwich with Class 47 haulage once again. This time though, the diversionary route away from the East Anglian main line presented a far more interesting journey. Thanks to the co-operation of Anglia passenger operator ‘one’ and locomotive owners Cotswold Rail, our cameras and microphones were on board 47 818 to record one of these fascinating short-lived journeys from the locomotive footplate.

Immediately after leaving Liverpool Street with the 11.47 departure for Norwich, 47 818 is tackling the short, sharp 1 in 70 climb up Bethnal Green bank. The journey through the north London suburbs continues along the Southbury Loop via Hackney Downs, and Seven Sisters to Cheshunt. From there, it joins the Lea Valley route where the 47 is on full power for virtually all of the 22-mile climb through Broxbourne, Harlow Mill and Bishops Stortford to Elsenham summit. After slowing for Cambridge, there’s a spirited 15-mile run across the Fens to Ely, during which it passes the southbound 47-hauled passenger service. At Ely the train bears right to take the antiquated route through Brandon, Thetford and Wymondham to Norwich. Gated crossings, jointed track and telegraph wires accompany the manual signal boxes and semaphore signals along this delightful stretch of track. And it’s all filmed on a glorious summers afternoon! The fascinating 125-mile journey concludes with arrival at Norwich station, and brings back memories of the days when Class 47s ruled the roost on East Anglia passenger services.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2006

Running time: 110-mins

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Re-mastered and extended from the original VHS version, this DVD is a Wired for Sound cab ride filmed on board the last booked Class 37s on Britain’s longest-distance freight train – the Burngullow to Irvine china clay. This programme, filmed on 22nd July 1995, features their journey to Newport from where a Class 60 took over the train the following day.

The programme begins at St Blazey depot where 37 669 + 37 670 are fired up before setting off light engine to the ECC terminal at Burngullow to collect 10 loaded china clay tanks. With 1,100 tonnes in tow the 37s set off across Cornwall to do battle with the challenging climbs of Treverrin and Largin. After crossing Brunel’s Saltash Bridge into Devon, there’s more meltdown as the 37s pound their way up Hemmerdon. That’s followed by more serious thrash as the locos continue to the summit at Wrangaton After descending to Totnes, there’s the taxing climb up Dainton. There’s a brief respite as the train runs along the sea walls at Teignmouth and Dawlish. At Exeter, another 180 tonnes are added to the load in Riverside Yard before the train sets off for the climb up to Whiteball summit. After Taunton, speed restrictions Highbridge and Worle are followed by ‘full on’ bursts of English Electric power. After passing through Bristol, Filton Bank has the Type 3s at full tilt again. But arguably the best thrash of all takes place at the bottom of the Severn Tunnel as the pair turn on the power for the stiff climb up to Severn Tunnel Junction and into South Wales. That’s followed by a short run through Newport to Alexandra Dock Junction Yard where the train recesses to allow the 37s to be detached from the train for the last time.

This digitally re-mastered programme not only contains an extra 20 minutes of previously unreleased footage, but it also has a revised and updated script, narrated by David Maxey. So, sit back and enjoy some classic traction nostalgia – accompanied by a truly spectacular soundtrack!

Arrival at Alexandra Dock Junction concludes the 6-hour journey, the "Bullet" continuing to Scotland the next day behind the new order - a Class 60 - thus ending another chapter in locomotive history. This video brings you the best of the "Bullet" and the results are spectacular! It’s exceptionally noisy.., and it lasts for 90 nerve-shattering minutes! You have been warned!!

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 1995

Running time: 110-mins

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Ever since we produced our first cab ride programme in 1994, our cameras have filmed around fifty subsequent journeys. For a variety of reasons, not all of them have seen the light of day but among the countless hours of tape lying on the cutting room floor is some really interesting, unusual and – in many cases - historical footage. This programme comprises six mini cab rides featuring rural branch lines and busy main lines. All six were filmed on different types of traction - ranging from a 1961-built Class 20 and a 1984-built Class 58 to a modern high-speed Virgin Pendolino. The cab rides were filmed between 2001 and 2017.

HOLYHEAD-BANGOR on 57309: Filmed during the period when Virgin Class 57s were diagrammed for a daily Pendolino drag between Crewe and Holyhead, this sequence features the 25 miles of route in North Wales from Holy Island across Anglesey and onto the mainland. It is a section of route that has plenty of interest - semaphore signals, jointed track, request stops, Britain’s longest station name...and the Britannia Bridge over the Menai Straits.

HOPE CEMENT WORKS-EARLES SIDINGS on 20056: This rural backwater in Derbyshire, which connects Hope Cement Works to the Hope Valley Line, is virtually hidden from view. A single Class 20 over the 1.5 mile branch line compliments the surroundings. On this occasion it was an unsilenced 20056 that was on the trip duties rather than the usual silenced Class 20.

ACTON WELLS-WEMBLEY YARD on 58025: A short cut from the North London Line to Wembley Yard. The maze of trackwork starts at Acton Wells Junction and the short journey continues via Acton Canal Wharf, the quirky single-track Up & Down Acton Branch, the Willesden Relief Line and the High Level Goods Line which leads into the busy Wembley Yard.

KILMARNOCK-BARRHEAD on 55022: Deltic Royal Scots Grey tackles the seven-mile climb from Kilmarnock to the summit at Dunlop, hauling a refurbished EMU to Yoker. This rural journey features the impressive collection of semaphore signals at Lugton and some fine scenery. This was filmed during the brief period when some of these workings travelled via Barrhead before being re-routed via Killwinning and Barassie - as covered in our full length ‘Taking Stock’ programme.

EUSTON-WATFORD JUNCTION on Virgin Pendolino 390126: After leaving Euston on ‘Line X’ and climbing Camden bank, the WCML runs alongside the busy Watford DC Lines, past Willesden Junction and Wembley Yard. North of Bushey the Pendolino tilts at an impressive 110mph before passing through Watford Junction. This is a view of this fascinating route from the Down Fast Line and compliments that of the Up Slow Line as featured in our ‘GBAC’ programme.

READING-BASINGSTOKE on 66082: This journey starts on the western approaches to the newly-remodelled Reading. After passing under the new Reading Viaduct onto the remodelled Reading West curve, this DB Cargo intermodal service briefly joins the Berks & Hants route to pass through Reading West station. At Southcote Junction the train takes the former GWR?route through Mortimer and Bramley before joining the South Western Main Line at Basingstoke.

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First published on DVD: June 2018
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R

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

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The Portsmouth Direct Line between Havant and Guildford has seen little in the way of locomotives since it was electrified in 1937. Thus, for many years this scenic and steeply-graded route attracted little attention until Virgin CrossCountry introduced Class 47s onto its 14.35 Portsmouth Harbour to Blackpool North service in the summer of 1999. This Wired for Sound cab ride, filmed from the footplate of 47827, features not only that delightful route but also the North Downs line between Guildford and Reading – another line rare for locomotives. Not only was this programme during the brief period when Class 47s were standing in for HST’s on this CrossCountry service, but also before the trains began terminating at Portsmouth & Southsea because of weight restrictions on the harbours wooden pier.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2010

Running time: 100-mins

After leaving the harbour terminus, the 1M32 calls at the nearby stations of Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton before joining the south coast route at Farlington Junction for the run to Havant. From there, the train heads north over the Portsmouth Direct Route where it passes various slam door EMU’s and Class 442 ‘Wessex’ units. The first task for the Sulzer 47 is to climb the eight miles of the scenic South Downs through Rowlands Castle to Buriton summit, the last two miles of which are at a gradient of 1 in 80. After descending to Petersfield, there then follows another climb – this time for 13 miles over the western Weald through Liss and Liphook to Haslemere. This includes a standing start on a gradient of 1 in 101 at Haslemere station. 47 827 then descends to Guildford and its two tunnels under the North Downs. From there, the 1M32 takes the North Downs route to Reading, where the taxing two mile 1 in 100 climb out of Guildford is made all the more difficult when the train is brought to an unscheduled stand by a track circuit failure half way up the bank! The journey continues across Surrey Heath through Ash Vale, North Camp, Sandhurst and Wokingham to Reading where it takes the ‘Reading Spur’ to connect with the Great Western Main Line.

Filmed over a decade ago, this programme is now a truly nostalgic experience…no more Virgin CrossCountry, no more slam door EMU’s, and no more loco-hauled passenger trains to Portsmouth Harbour or over the Portsmouth Direct Line.

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