The term Welsh Marches refers to the border area between Wales and England. The railway diverging from the South Wales Main Line at Newport closely follows the border through Abergavenny, Hereford, Shrewsbury and Nantwich. We join a 3-car class 175 Coradia DMU en route from Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly on the approach to Newport, the area having only recently been re-signalled to the South Wales Control Centre. From the SWCC, signalling passes to a 1960’s panel signal box at Little Mill and then to traditional mechanical signalling at Abergavenny. Cameras inside all three signal boxes vividly show this technological progression.

Dozens of former and existing junctions coupled with some magnificent scenery make this is a fascinating route, filmed in mid-summer sunshine all the way to Crewe. Dozens of mechanical signal boxes control our progress, including Europe’s largest at Shrewsbury. Much of the history of the line as well as the current day operation of this Arriva Trains Wales service is in the narration.

Narrated by Richard Bath
Written by Peter Middleton

Produced by - Video 125
Running time - 115 Minutes
Aspect Ratio - 16:9 widescreen
DVD and Blu-ray