Linking Sheffield and Manchester, the 40 mile route penetrated the Pennine barrier at Woodhead, before descending to Manchester and was Britain’s first main line to use overhead electric power when opened in 1954.

Primary motive power was the1500V D.C. EM1 (Class76) and EM2 (Class 77) electric locomotives.

The EM2s were sold to the Netherlands Rlys, but the CL 76 continued until the lines closure in 1981.

Scenes at Sheffield (Victoria), Rotherwood, Wath, Worsborough Bank, Penistone, Dunford Bridge, Woodhead, Torside, Guide Bridge, Manchester (Piccadilly) and other locations were recorded - some with original sound - between 1954 and 1984 and provide a fascinating reminder of this magnificent route.