The programme contains 8mm cine film with original and authentically dubbed soundtracks, numerous b&w and colour photographs, plus a commentary. The films were taken in the early sixties shortly before these lines closed.
Included are:
The Severn Valley Lines
A journey along the Severn Valley in 1961, firstly from Kidderminster to Bewdley and then via Stourport to Hartlebury. From Hartlebury we travel north to Bewdley then along the now preserved section of the Severn Valley line to Bridgnorth where we also see the old ferries at Arley and Hampton Loade. From there we continue on to Ironbridge and Shrewsbury along the section of the line closed in 1964.
The Harborne & Halesowen Branches
On a DMU trip run by the University of Birmingham Railway and Inland Waterways Society, we travel from Old Hill to Longbridge along the Halesowen branch line closed in 1964.
A look at the Harborne branch and Mitchells & Butlers' Brewery Railway in 1962.
Run on the 2nd of November 1963, we see the Stevenson Locomotive Society tour of the Harborne and Halesowen branches.
The last days of freight traffic on the Halesowen branch were recorded, featuring rare cine film and original soundtracks, followed by scenes of the demolition of the line including Dowery Dell Viaduct.
EXTRAS
A real time journey (14 minutes) from Severn Hall near Brignorth to Coalport Station along the remains of the trackbed of the Severn Valley line.
Three unique sound recordings made in January 1963 of freight trains climbing from Harborne to Hagley Rd summit.
Produced in association with John Tennent.
Produced by - PSOV
Running time - 60 Minutes
DVD only
Released - January 2018