Changing Trains Volume 3 - Basingstoke to Ilfracombe - Railway DVD
Changing Trains Vol 3 - Basingstoke to Ilfracombe
In the late 1950s & early 1960s many trains on the Western Region were still hauled by elderly steam locomotives, though titled trains and high speed schedules were still commonplace.
Within 5 years, the diesel invasion was all but complete. However, the culprits - a fleet of stylish diesel-hydraulics, and other first generation diesel types, still provided a fascinating scene for the enthusiast.
This programme includes rare cine film to illustrate the change on the motive power front in this area of the country over a period spanning more than 50 years.
Volume 3 in the series looks at the route from Basingstoke to Torrimgton and Ilfracombe via Exeter.
Highlights include Steam & early diesel hydraulics at Basingstoke; mainline action between Basingstoke and Salisbury plus visits to Salisbury shed in the early 1960s and then after closure, when we see all the withdrawn locos waiting to be towed away. Steam & diesel at Templecombe, stations to Yeovil Jn and beyond; action from the Lyme Regis, Seaton, Sidmouth and Exmouth branches. 1960s & 1990s views at Exeter, then onto Okehampton, Barnstaple, Torrington and finally Ilfracombe. See an 'N' class and T9 at Okehampton, then the last day passenger services, Class 22s at Torrington and Hymek & Warship action on the Ilfracombe route.
Of added interest is the comparison in the railway infrastructure in this 50 year period, with contemporary views showing the scenes as they are now.
Steam / Diesel mix approx 45 / 55
Running time 67 mins
£17.95 inc p&p
What the Press say..........
This latest video in the series features steam and diesel in equal measure spanning som 50 years, and with views at major locations along the LSWR Main Line, it's non stop action.
'Merchant Navy' and 'West Country' Pacifics in full flight vividly recall the 1960s. Poignant images of perfectly good withdrawn steam machines at Salisbury is a noteworthy scene with appropriate music.
If you have a penchant for 'Hymeks' you will not be disappointed. However, the highlight has got to be the scenes on the 'Withered Arm' section from Exeter to Barnstaple, Torrington and to Ilfracombe. We are talking here of North British type 2s and 'Warships'. Again the video captures the folly of closing such lines.
Scenes on the Meldon - Ilfracombe section are truly historic, and there are views of it's famous train - the 'Atlantic Coast Express' (ACE), and the through Paddington-Ilfracombe service with 'Warship' haulage.
There's a nice interlude showing the halcyon days of Class 50 rule on the LSWR line to Exeter showing many of the favourites - it's hard to believe this was over 20 years ago.
There are some more modern scenes taken in the last 10 years but predominantly we are talking the good old days. The modern video recorded scenes are intermingled with the cine footage (thus mixing the quality of the recording) which is a good idea as it allows some interesting 'then and now' views which show just how much the Exeter line has changed, particularly at places like Templecombe.
This is superb entertainment, particularly if you were there at the time it was filmed. Roll on Volume 4 which is Exeter to Plymouth.
Murray Brown, Editor, RAIL EXPRESS MAGAZINE June 2012
See sample on Youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL2V5B-Gdz4&list=UU1sZR07FptVFGHS-SqIFO3w&index=1&feature=plcp
This is the third in a five part series which will form a definitive DVD collection illustrating more than half a decade of change on this western peninsula.
Part 1: Bristol and the route to Weymouth
Part 2: Bristol to Exeter
Part 3: Basingstoke to Ilfracombe & Torrington
Part 4: Exeter to Plymouth
Part 5: Plymouth to Penzance