2024 marks the 30th anniversary of Train Crazy railway videos and DVDs. Starting out as a hobby in 1994, just about every type of locomotive and unit has featured, with more than 400 passenger, freight, cab ride and tram titles, released on VHS tape, DVD, Blu-ray and download.
Here's the good bit... In the last few years, software to restore old grainy and wobbly film has become more accessible. Previously it was expensive, slow and not very good, but in 2022 huge advances were made. The old film used on these new compilation programmes is all being reworked, improved, cleaned up and upscaled. For the first time, all of the film shot in standard-definition (720 x 576 or less) can be upscaled and presented in top quality high-definition (1920 x 1080).
The sixth release features Train Crazy film of the Class 47 locomotives, filmed between 1994 and 1998. The 47 really needs no introduction and back in 1994 the locos worked far and wide on a variety of trains. Filmed countrywide we see a rainbow of liveries with features on the 47/8s at Birmingham New Street in 1994 and around Manchester in 1998, with a typical summer Saturday from Dawlish in 1998 and Liverpool - Crewe diversions via Earlestown also from 1998. More than 75 locos are featured, including Purple 47817, Royal 47798, Waterman 47705, Fragonset 47703, EW&S 47786 plus 47971, 47975, 47976 and many other long-scrapped examples.
Presented in a no-nonsense format of on-screen captions with loco number, location and date, sit back and enjoy some top quality action from 30-years ago - with much improved picture quality and in HD for the very first time! This is far from a complete record of the 47s during these years but this is what was filmed, now re-edited, re-worked and upscaled.
Produced by - Train Crazy
Duration - 100 minutes
Format - 4:3
Blu-ray and DVD
Released - June 2024