
Polish State Railways (PKP) retained steam power much later than other European countries, and the enthusiast-led 'Wolsztyn' Experience continues to keep some main line steam running into the 21st Century.
Whilst Polish Railways had a number of fine home designed and built classes, there was a historic German influence with a number of German designs seen widely.
After World War Two, American built UNRA designs also appeared in some numbers, and are seen here.
The bulk of this film on railways in North West Poland concentrates on the standard gauge, around Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Toruń, Tczew, Malbork, Gniezno and Wolsztyn, which can be seen when it was just a small segment of a large system.
Also covered is the 750mm gauge Opalenica system, then not long from closure, despite being well used.
Dutch enthusiast Ton Pruissen made numerous visits to Poland from 1969 on, initially on his trusty moped, and despite a number of brushes with the police, was able to return home with wonderful footage of Poland's railways during the communist era.
Forty years on, this is a valuable record of the glory days of one of the last national railway systems to use the steam locomotive in large numbers.
Includes extensive printable and illustrated notes in PDF format, in both English and German, on locations and locomotives seen in the film, which may be played with sound and no commentary.
Produced by - Camden Miniature Steam Services
Running time - 52 Minutes
Black and white and colour film
DVD only