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 4 looks at the routes Exeter St Davids to Newton Abbot, Kingswear, Heathfield, Ashburton and Plymouth.
Highlights include: Dawlish Summer Saturday in 1970, with Warships, Westerns, Brush, Peaks and Hymek diesels; 'Warship' and 'Peak' double-head 'The Devonan'; Scenes inside Newton Abbot shed and locomotive works; A Western on the Stoneycombe ballast; Raging seas at Dawlish 2002; Present and past at Paignton; Clay traffic from Heathfield: HST drags over the banks; steam at Ashburton station; freight to Cattewater; Laira depot in 1962 with NBL type 2s, Warships, Westerns 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 20/80
Produced by - Globe Video Films
Running time - 69 Minutes
DVD only
