The steam railway has been part of Britain’s heritage for 200 years. In that time it has evolved from the cutting edge of technology, through the driving force of industrial expansion, to the accepted form of transport and, more recently, a much-loved, living, part of our industrial legacy.
In this collection of five programmes, using film shot over the last quarter of a century, we reflect upon the development of steam and celebrate our great railway heritage.
British Steam travels through Scotland, the Borders, Wales, the North of England, the Midlands and Southern England, visiting the famous stations and lines, seeing many of the greatest locomotives at work, recalling the iconic railway companies and experiencing the wonderful diversity of Britain’s spectacular scenery.
“Kings”, “Castles”, Bulleid Pacifics, Panniers, Terriers and more feature, and we meet legends such as the Orient Express, Golden Arrow, Duchess of Hamilton and Princess Elizabeth along the way.
We travel the famous main lines and the quieter branch lines, including the lines which played such a fundamental role in industrial development.
The series includes:
- Scotland
- Wales and the Borders
- The North of England
- The Midlands
- Southern England