The Great Western Branch was regarded by many as unique, with a character that set it apart from the rest of the network.

Whether serving the resorts of Devon or Cornwall, or carrying commuter traffic to the main line, they had one thing in common - they changed little throughout their working lives.

Most succumbed to the closures of the post war years. The survivors have changed beyond all recognition.

This programme is a celebration of the by-ways of the Great Western Railway. It uses a wealth of colour and black & white archive film to recreate a bygone era.

The programme comprises:

• The Marlow Donkey - The famous Great Western Branch running for two and a half miles along the Thames Valley with 0-4-2 tanks in action during the final years of steam operation.
• Two Cotswold Branches - The Tetbury and Cirencester Branches.
• Services from Gloucester, the push-pull services to Chalford, the Sharpness Branch and the cross country line from Gloucester to Ross on Wye and Hereford.
• Wiltshire Branches - Scenes from the network around Trowbridge and Chippenham featuring the branches to Devizes and Calne.
• West Country Branches - Long forgotten scenes from Devon and Cornwall featuring the Hemyock, Brixham, Kingsbridge, Looe and Helston Branches.

Plus bonus footage:

• Western By-ways in Deepest Devon - the Totnes to Buckfastleigh line in preservation.
• The West Somerset Railway - an exploration of the private railway from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard.

Produced by - Transport Video Publishing
Running time - 60 Minutes plus bonus footage
DVD only