The 1960s were to see the end of main line steam locomotion on the public railway network in Great Britain. This, the final part of a series of five 100% archive film programmes, traces the last years of main line steam.

The cruel blows of the Beeching 'axe' were to see many branch lines destroyed forever, and the scrapping of their trains. Main line electrification and dieselisation would make even the famous 'Duchesses, 'Kings', 'A4s', and Bulleid Pacifics redundant.

However, a small gleam of light appeared on the horizon as railway preservation got underway, but after 11 August 1968 only one steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, was allowed to see out the decade working on the main lines.

From the Standard classes built by BR itself through to one-offs, there were many steam classes still at work in the 1960s, and this programme includes '9Fs', 'Britannias', 'West Countries', 'Jubilees', 'Castles', Gresley-designed Pacifics and many goods and tank engines as they pass into history.

Narrator: Ken Morgan
Producer and Director: Jeremy English
100% archive film, black & white and colour.