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 2 in the series looks at the routes from Bristol and Westbury to Exeter St Davids.

Highlights include S&D services at Highbridge; mainline action near Uphill, Westbury and Frome South Jn. with 'Kings', 'Castles' and 'Counties' in action; Hymeks, Warships & Westerns on the mainline including Western Champion in Golden Ochre livery; Taunton station with class 45, 47, 50 & 52 in action; Minehead in steam days, then the re-opening day first train in 1976; Wiveliscombe and Venn Cross stations on the Taunton-Barnstaple route with NBL D6300 type 2s in action; 1451 on the Hemyock branch; the very last TPO leaves Exeter St Davids station plus Warships, Westerns, Peaks, 50s etc ....

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 40/60.

Produced by - Globe Video Films
Running time - 63 Minutes
DVD only