In the 1970s British Railways introduced a series of new EMU designs to replace the many ageing types dating from the early years of Nationalisation. This programme explores these 2nd Generation designs using film taken in recent years plus archive film from the BR era.

The programme comprises:

Second Generation Units and a look at the new designs coming on stream from the 1980s with archive from the period.

Class 313 - The first of the new generation units introduced by British Railways with film from their introduction on the Great Northern services in 1976 to scenes on the Southern lines through Brighton and to Seaford. Includes the retro liveried 313 201 and the Network Rail test unit.

Class 315 & 317 - Two designs from the 1980s. The 315s are featured on services from Liverpool Street. The 317s are shown in action during the 1980s on the Midland Main Line and then on Great Eastern services. The last workings are shown in 2022, along with the final days diagram on the 15th July 2022.

Class 319, Class 321, Class 360, Class 375, Class 376, Class 377, Class 378, Class 379, Class 387. A synopsis of each class and footage from recent years.

Class 442 - The ‘Wessex’ Electrics.

Class 444, Class 450. The ‘Desiro’ Electrics.

Class 455 - From introduction in the 1980s to the present day. The various sub classes are featured on services from Waterloo and Victoria in South West Trains and Southern service. In addition the last workings for Southern are shown in the Spring of 2022 along with the last ‘finale’ special to Brighton in the 14th May.

Class 456, Class 458, Class 460, Class 465. .Footage from recent years.

In addition units are shown moving for scrap and store with heritage diesel power.

Produced by - Transport Video Publishing
Running time - 85 minutes approx
Blu-ray and DVD
Released - October 2022