2023 marked the 100th anniversary since ‘The Big Four’ companies were formed on the 1st January 1923. Our four-disc product showcases locomotives from each of the ‘Big Four’ from the last decade, covering both mainline charters and heritage railways across the UK. Formed in 1923, “The Big Four” was a name used to describe the four largest railway companies in the United Kingdom. The companies were formed as a result of the Railways Act 1921, in a process known as “The Grouping”, which came into effect on 1st January 1923. The companies continued until the 31st December 1947 when the railways were nationalised.

This four disc product showcases locomotives that were either designed or ran under one of the ‘Big Four’ companies. Each disc showcases various locomotives hauling services at both heritage railways and mainline charters across the UK, filmed between 2013 and 2023.

Disc 1: Great Western Railway (GWR)
Disc 2: London Midland Scotland Railway (LMS)
Disc 3: London North Eastern Railway (LNER)
Disc 4: Southern Railway (SR)

Over 70 steam locomotives are featured, each built before the 31st December 1947. This product features footage from between 2013 and 2023; as this product showcases footage from preservation years, not all locomotives are carrying liveries from ‘The Big Four’ era (some may carry pre-grouping and British Railways liveries). A mixture of heritage railways and mainline charters from across the UK are featured on each of the discs. Each disc runs for approximately 75 minutes, over 5 hours of footage.

This product features no commentary, allowing you to fully appreciate the sound of the steam locomotives working hard. Short titles are included throughout informing you of the date, locomotive and location. No aerial videography is included within this product.

Produced by - Steaming Around Yorkshire
Running time - 305 minutes approx (4 discs)
Format - 16:9 Widescreen UK PAL
DVD and Blu-ray
Released -  September 2023