This is a typical example of how peoples attitudes have changed over time. The rail network was run on a knife edge back then like it is now and yet this documentary presents the network as it is without the unnecessary panic, hype and drama conveyed in modern documentaries.

The last time I watched this was when it was broadcast.I was in my last year at school.I'm happy to announce that nearly 6 years later I became a fully qualified Traindriver.Why the Beeb never released this on DVD I'll never know!

@davidtarrant3771

8 жыл бұрын

The last time I drove a train it was with John (the driver in railwatch). I drove the class 91 out of kings cross when I was a little boy and this sort of thing used to be possible.

@johnekins4408

3 жыл бұрын

I was the manager in charge of laying the track, sadly Europe has left our railway way behind, we are lagging in both speed and comfort. Only the USA is worse, much worse.

@BassandoForte

5 ай бұрын

​@@johnekins4408And how good has leaving the EU been for our rail network..?? 🤣

Much better than trainspotting live.

A real piece of history. Thanks

Alan Wickens is an absolute rockstar, I don't know how long it would have taken to have 200kph trains in regular service without his team in the late 1960s

Its somewhat emotional seeing that brand new 91 knowing most have been withdrawn. I love the music that plays when she comes out, makes her feel very cool. They essencially gave the class 91 its own theme tune.

@cjmillsnun

2 жыл бұрын

Not just that but right at the end the mock up of the class 373 eurostar cab. Many of them have gone too.

as someone not old enough to remember BR its amazing to see how people felt about it at the time

I used to live in Mickleover, Derby. Great to see the old line, and such a shame the test track was lifted...

Hard to believe I used to get excited by Class 91s... Also, hard to believe they're now being withdrawn!

I remember seeing the 91s and 90s been built at Crewe works on their open day in 1987. 91s were classified 87/2 at the time

I remember this series - now 30 years old, 1989. It shows what BR (Eastern Region) was doing and where the railway was going. Had BR continued under the Sectorised, vertically-integrated structure that existed then, and been given the funding that has gone into the so-called privatised system of today, we would have a much better railway than we now have. Sadly those dedicated managers and staff have gone. Ans British Rail Research, well-depicted in Part 5 of the series, has vanished and there is now no co-ordinated rail research in the UK.

This is great to see again. Thanks for the upload. Now we just need to find episode 4.

@grahamhearn19

8 жыл бұрын

it on this channel

42:35 four locomotives blast the horns if looks like the railway band like the Beatles. Mega tones nice one British Rails

Mike Smith R I P. The rail industry is dreadful now, and the infrastructure is just left to neglect.

I am from N Ireland, in BR days were rail fares subsidised.

Thanks:-)

Sad to think that the presenter, Electra project director David Rollin and the industrial designer who styled the “91” along with Inter City “Swallow” livery - David Carter are all no longer with us. A great programme this was.... a little staged but superb to watch!

how many times do they call the class 91 a beast haha

Let’s face it , there is one Hugh elephant in the room that is being ignored, you will only get good public transport if the government funds it properly .and you certainly won’t get it from the private sector.

Why no day4?

38:16 did he really say punctuality is the most important aspect of running any railway? Clearly SAFETY wasn't high on his list of priorities. I think we all know SAFETY is the most important aspect of running a railway! Would you rather arrive 30 minutes late or 30 years early?

THE OPTIMISM HA HA HA!

140 mph 😂😂

I missed the Friday show, video crapped out, didn't miss much I see, I can't stand Mike Smith he was joke, some of his off the cuff remarks were terrible as were some of the serious questions! Great to see the trains at the time but shoddy bunch of people Paul C & the other Scottish fella were the only redeeming hosts Paul C does voice overs for Video 125 cab rides after this.

Cringe worthy. BBC trying to tap into popular culture. Know nothing presenters trying to humiliate BR.