Never before seen on DVD, the first Oakwood programmes, marking the last 20 months of BR main line steam, are back by popular demand – complete with improved picture quality, maps, sound and the benefit of DVD navigation.

As 1967 began BR steam still had a wide geographic spread, but within 12 months it would be confined to north-west England, the year notable for the last mile-a-minute timetabled steam, the last (unofficial) 100mph+ steam expresses, the end of pre-Grouping steam, and the elimination of all Scottish, North Eastern and Southern steam. Cine film illustrates the following types in the last full year of BR standard gauge steam, Bulleid Pacifics, Fowler 2-6-4T, Ivatt Mogul, Stanier ‘Black Five’ and ‘8F’, as well as ‘B1’, ‘J27’, ‘K1’, ‘Q6’, WD 2-8-0 and ‘J94’ 0-6-0ST, and a range of BR Standards.

Goodbye to the Great Western – The steam operation between Shrewsbury and Birkenhead ended with the withdrawal of through Paddington services, this milestone being commemorated by a number of special trains – preserved ‘Castles’ join various BR Standards in a last tribute weekend to an ex-GWR main line.

Austerity Au Revoir – The last enthusiasts’ specials on the steeply graded Cromford & High Peak line.

Auld Lang Syne – Scottish steam was finally eliminated in the late spring/early summer of 1967. Scenes included from the last months embrace Thornton Junction, Beattock, Longtown, and Dunblane.

Southern Surrender – The electrification of the Bournemouth main line heralded the end of steam on the Southern Region, main line footage being complemented by scenes of the last steam-worked branch line, to Lymington Pier.

North Eastern Finale – Coverage of the last stronghold of pre-Grouping steam includes classic views of ex-North Eastern Railway locomotives, complimented by ‘Austerity’ 2-8-0s, ‘K1’ No 62005 on the ‘Three Dales Railtour’, and ‘Jubilee’ No 45562 Alberta visiting Tees-side.

West Riding Withdrawal – Normanton and Bradford scenes precede a trip up the Settle & Carlisle line with Holbeck-based ‘Jubilees’.

Steam’s Last Stand – North-west England in 1967, featuring freight on the S&C line, West Coast main line action from Crewe, and over Shap to Carlisle, including banking to Shap summit.

Produced by - Oakwood Video Library
Running time - 55 Minutes
Aspect Ratio - 4:3
Region 2
DVD only
Released - 2016