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 5 looks at the route from Plymouth to Penzance, including the Gunnislake, Looe, Bodmin, Fowey, Newquay, Falmouth and St Ives branches, plus scenes from Wadebridge and Padstow.

Highlights include: early diesel-hydraulic scenes at Plymouth North Road plus Western & Southern steam, Warship at Devonport Junction; Moorswater freight; Warship & Grange at Redruth; steam at Wadebridge and Padstow in the 1960s; 25s & 37s on Cornish Clay traffic; 37s and 50s at Par and an 08 on the Harbour branch: Prairie tank & NBL D6342 at Falmouth; West country Mail trains; classes 25, 42, 50 & 52 at Hayle and a 37 on the wharf branch; the Prototype HST on test at St Erth, 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 15 / 85

This is the final part in a five part series which will form a definitive DVD collection illustrating more than half a decade of change on this western peninsula. 

Produced by - Globe Video Films
Running time - 65 Minutes
DVD only