Industrial Steam in the North-East.

An in depth look at the industrial railway scene in the North East of England in the 1960’s when steam predominated at most collieries and other locations. Jon MARSH visited and filmed in the area at this time with much attention to detail and excellent cine-photography in all weathers. The area was the birthplace of industrial railways and much of the infrastructure was still extant one hundred and forty years later, even one engine was one hundred years old and still working at Seaham Harbour.

Railways to the coast for the transport of coal will be seen with associated rope-hauled inclines. The railways originated as privately owned lines linking colliery and harbour. The Lambton, Hetton & Joicey system around Philadelphia is well covered especially during the last steam winter of 1969 when heavy snowfall led to spectacular photography. Other lines visited include Ashington, Derwentaugh, Amble, Backworth, Morrison Busty, Blacburn Park Drift, Team Valley and Shotton. Scenes at Doxfords Shipyards and Seaham Harbour. British Railways steam linked the collieries with views of J27, Q6 and WD 2-8-0 types.

This is a fine record of the days before coal mines and their associated industries were no more in the North East of England. Filmed in colour and with an authentic sound track and informative commentary added this will give enjoyment to all people interested in the steam railways of the area.

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The popular misconception that Industrial railways were just yard shunts with small 0-4-0 tanks or the ubiquitous J94 type will be completely dispelled by this programme. Some systems were enormous like Ashington, Philadelphia and Corby, often fully signalled as well. There were ex BR steam engines to be found from all of the “big four” companies sold into industrial service. There were narrow gauge systems as well at Bowaters, Kettering and in North Wales. Ironstone systems could boast nearly 100 engines. Engines wrestling with poor track abounded at cement works while ports such as Preston, Whitehaven and Falmouth were locations providing steam locomotives at work. Par had one of the smallest and Baddesley Colliery had a Garratt at the other extreme. Fire-less engines found favour with paper manufacturers. The oldest engine in service could be found at Seaham, with Wirksworth a close second. Sentinels lived at Burton Latimer and Whifflett. Crane tanks at Doxford’s and Stanton & Staveley. Even a sewage plant found use for steam. Power stations had side tanks the power of a Black 5, the NCB probably had the biggest fleet of all. These are not posed views of steam but engines working hard for their living in their true environment.There are 100 engines from 25 builders in this story. It was all part of the steam scene in Britain, if you saw them, here are the memories; if not see what you missed.

Click here to order this and other videos online

(By clicking here you are entering Wolverton Rail Videos web site with over 4000 transport videos & DVDs available

‘Run by Enthusiasts for Enthusiasts since 1987′.

Please note you will be buying from Wolverton Rail and not B & R Video Productions)… Read More