**RELEASED October 2024**

This, the 12th episode of our popular series of LONDON MIDLAND STEAM MISCELLANIES, is a feast of steam traction filmed mostly in the North-West and Midlands. And once again we are using a considerable amount of previously unseen cine-film from our extensive archives*!

Our journey starts with a visit to the major rail interchange of Carlisle. Here we see steam action in the area before all the line closures and major rationalisation of tracks of later years. One of the major homes of steam was the Kingmoor Shed and we see it and it’s approaches in all their glory. Wonderful! Then to the hive of activity of Citadel station for scenes including Stanier “Princess Coronation’ Pacifics.

Now a real treat for enthusiasts – The Langholm branch freight with (now-preserved) Ivatt 4MT No.43106 in charge; it is seen paralleling the A7 road and also at Canonbie. Further north we have film at Stirling (including a ‘Clan’ Pacific) and Glasgow.

Another area seen in detail is the climb to Shap summit. Most was filmed around the Tebay and Scout Green areas although the climb from the north is not forgotten. All manner of traction combinations are seen – single-handedly, with bankers, and even one with a pilot on the front. Diesels also make occasional appearances with English Electric Type 4s and Brush Type 4s, one of the latter in charge of the down ‘Mid-Day Scot’.

On the Settle & Carlisle line we see locations such as Horton-in­Ribblesdale, the famous Ribblehead viaduct, and Kirkby Stephen West. Visits are also made to Windermere, Oxenholme, Carnforth, Carnforth Shed, Hest Bank (including action on the water troughs), Lancaster, Warrington, and the approach to Standedge tunnel. .

Other places seen in the north of England are Ditton Junction, Mouldsworth, Preston, Lostock Hall Shed, Newton Heath Shed, Sheffield, and Leeds.

We also visit North Wales and the Borders. Places as Chester, Shrewsbury, Abergele and Pensarn. A particular delight is coverage around Denbigh, Llanrhaiadr, and Rhydymwyn.

London Midland power is also not forgotten towards the south of England, such as at Spetchley (site of Worcester’s first station), Norton Junction, and even Didcot in the heart of GWR territory.

We cover the last days of steam throughout the 1960s to the end in 1968. Classes seen include (in no particular order): ex-LMS 2-6-4Ts, Ivatt 4MT 2-6-0s, 4Fs, Black 5s, Jubilees, 8Fs, Jinty 0-6-0Ts, 47000 Dock Tanks, Patriot and Royal Scot 4-6-0s, Princess Coronation (Duchess) Pacifics, Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0s and BR Standard Britannia & Clan Pacifics, Class 4 & 5 4-6-0s, 2-6-4Ts, 9F 2-10-0s (including ex-Crosti boilered) and WD 2-8-0s. The new order also creeps in from time to time such as English Electric ‘Type 4′ and Brush ‘Type 4 ‘; even the early AC Electric “AL” series locomotives!

Our nostalgic look at the last years of London Midland steam has been assembled in the order the film runs off the original cine reels. It is mostly in colour with a soundtrack and a commentary.

*A Footnote for the Miscellany Series. Over the years, we have amassed a vast collection of archive cine-film from a variety of owners. When we produced our much earlier volumes, they were based on telling a “story” or following a “journey”. As a result only relevant short clips from various the original archive cine-films were used along with specific soundtracks and commentaries. When more recently reviewing our extensive archives, we realised that much of the original cine films had never been used for one reason or another such as it didn’t fit the story or we didn’t know the location. In some cases there were reels of previously unused and unseen cine-film. And this historic footage would never be seen and lost forever unless we did something about it. Hence the Miscellany series where this time the footage has been assembled in the order it runs off  the actual cine-films along with completely new sound tracking and a new commentary for each volume.  In some cases all of the footage is completely new. There are some real gems in this series!!

Click here to order this volume 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

**RELEASED 22nd October 2020**

The Jim Oatway Collection
This volume is compiled entirely from much previously unseen footage taken by the late Jim Oatway, mostly across the ex-LSWR lines of the Southern Region.

Jim was a signalman working at various boxes on the LSWR line out of Waterloo. He was able to combine work with taking top quality cine film at privileged locations that were inaccessible to most. Southern steam fans are in for a real treat!

We begin with panoramic views at London Waterloo and an abundance of steam including Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) workings, Bulleid Pacific hauled expresses bound for the Salisbury and Southampton lines, the ‘Bournemouth Belle’ Pullman, semi-fasts and boat trains. We even see a Stanier Black 5 on a normal service train in 1965. Specials are also included such as the “South Western Rambler”, the ‘Wessex Downsman” and the “A2 Commemorative”.

Moving on to West London Junction box in 1962 and the ECS here is hauled by M7, H16 and even an ex-GWR pannier. Highlights are the “Schools” class 4-4-0s and “Lord Nelson” class 4-6-0s still at work plus preserved T9 No.120 in normal service. Jim was also able to film LNWR “Cornwall” passing the box on its way to Clapham Museum. We then spend some time around Clapham Junction in 1962 and include the carriage washing plant, milk trains and an H class tank on the service train to Kensington.

The famed “South Western Suburban” rail tour is shown in some detail, before we move to Walton-on-Thames and Horsham. Here Jim’s film contains such treats as a profusion of “King Arthurs”, summer Saturday workings, H16 hauled ECS and ex-LNER A4 60022 “Mallard” on a van train!

At Byfleet & West Haw there is a considerable variety of freight workings with classes such as S15s, Standard class 4 4-6-0s, and “King Arthurs” leaving and joining the LSWR main line on their way to and from Feltham Yards. Visits are also made to Feltham shed in 1961 and 1962 when it was still possible to see the giant ex-LSWR G16 4-8-0 tanks and the H16s. We even find a “Schools” class at the depot. In addition, Jim visited the Hayling Island branch with its diminutive Stroudley Terriers that were able to work over the weight-restricted Langstone viaduct. Finally, we conclude with a visit to the Isle-of-Wight for O2s hard at work in the summer sunshine.

Filmed between 1961 and 1967 a huge amount of different motive power is featured including the following classes: ex-SR “Merchant Navy”, “West Country” and “Battle of Britain” pacifics, Q1s, Us, U1s, Ns, Hs, S15s, M7s, A1Xs, G6s, 700s, E6s, N15s, O2s, “Lord Nelsons”, “Schools”, H16s, G16s, T9s and Beattie 0298s, ex-WR panniers, ex-LMS Stanier Black 5s, Ivatt 2-6-2Ts and 8Fs, ex-LNER A2 and A4 and finally BR Standard 73xxx Class 5s, 75xxx Class 4 4-6-0s, 77xxx Class 3 2-6-0s, 78xxx Class 2 2-6-0s and 82xxx Class 3 2-6-2Ts.

Filmed entirely in colour. An authentic sound track has been added along with an informative commentary to complement this nostalgic look at the last years of Southern steam.

Cover Photo: Keith Pirt/Courtesy Booklaw Publications, “Schools” Class 4-4-0 No.30926 “Repton” passing Paddock Wood, June 1960.

Click here to order this volume 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

**RELEASED 17th September 2020**

A further instalment of our popular miscellany series of classic “modern” traction featuring many of the diesel & electric classes that operated across the whole of the BR network during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. And in some cases even earlier! The majority of this collection has not been previously seen. As before we have simply compiled the clips and films in no particular order and thus a few surprises will be in store as you progress through the film.

Once again, a myriad of locations are covered; from Inverness & Edinburgh to Paignton and West Country. In between there is a look at a Cheltenham Race Day plus action around Honeybourne Junction, nearby Gloucester and the Lickey incline.

The 1985 Crewe re-modelling work is seen as well as the old Potts line oil terminal in Shrewsbury. Then south to Weymouth for a Channel Island Boat Train hauled by a Class 33 Crompton as well as a rare shunter in operation along the Quayside.

The ever popular Woodhead route gets an airing with EM1s, often-double heading. There are a few scenes on the Settle & Carlisle line and some very early film featuring the launch of LMS 10000, the Britain’s first main line diesel. Something different is a section on the Sharpness Docks with Hymek action.

The delightful Bourne End branch is covered along with WCML, ECML and Great Eastern lines and a couple of accidents! A brief interlude features the London Underground Northern Line with 1938 stock in action. Also in the capital, we look into King’s Cross and Paddington.

In addition to the above locomotive types, there is hydraulic action with Warships, Westerns and Hymeks. English Electric locomotives include 37s & 40s, the latter working out of the Bayston Hill Stone Quarry, as well as at Crewe and other locations. Plus a glimpse of a BTH Type 1 and a Co-Bo. Most Brush types are seen in various liveries. Several Peaks feature along with the fantastic Deltics operating on service trains and Charter work. EMUs & DMUs are seen working on various regions, including the Blue Pullman and Brighton Belle.

The above offers you a brief scenario of what is in store in this film – there is plenty more. An authentic soundtrack and an informative commentary accompanies all the scenes, so we hope you will enjoy this tour around the UK.

Cover Photo: Keith Pirt/Courtesy Booklaw Publications, Peak 45007 on a ballast train at Foxlow Jct., Staveley, July 1986.

Click here to order this volume 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

**RELEASED April 2019**

The fifth in our popular electric and diesel miscellany series covering classic ‘modern’ traction from the 1960s through to the 1980s. Much of this footage is over 50 years old and once again we travel far and wide with a multitude of locomotive types in a huge variety of very different locations.
We start with diesel hydraulic activities, including “Warships”, at Bristol, Plymouth and around Swansea. Then on to the Pembroke Dock branch for DMUs and Hymeks.

Travelling north we witness scenes at Scarborough (including a Royal Train working), York (for Deltics in action) and Class 56s near Selby.
Back south again and to the Weymouth line for Class 33s on push-pull operations through the Bincombe tunnels.

Returning north once more, we visit Crewe during the modernisation in 1985 and the Woodhead Route for Class 76s on freight and passenger workings.
Down in London, at Paddington station, we see even more hydraulics plus a variety of English Electric traction before visiting King’s Cross. Other locations seen briefly include the Settle & Carlisle line, the Shrewsbury area, Hanwell, Weston Rhyn and Loggerheads.

We also feature some unusual footage of an excursion with a Southern 2-BIL electric multiple unit at the very end of their working lives. A brief look at the “Class 44 Farewell” tour is followed by a section devoted to the Metropolitan electric locomotive tour of 1972 starring the two now preserved examples Nos. 5 & 12 hauling a rake of Guards Vans. We return to Crewe to see a “Royal Scot” tour departing with a Class 40.

The Brymbo branch and Bersham colliery are well covered with Peaks and Class 47s on coal trains. Plus we include a glimpse of a couple of industrial steam engines!
Returning north once again, vintage electric multiple units are seen on the Morecambe branch of the unique experimental line from Lancaster Green Ayre.

Finally, to bring back memories for some, we conclude with some footage of DMUs on now long lost and closed lines.

Many of the locomotive classes that existed during this period are seen: 03, 08, 20, 24, 25, 31, 33, 35, 37, 40, 44, 45, 47, 50, 52, 55, 76, 81 – 86, 87…in fact there very few are left out!

All the archive film is in colour and an informative commentary and authentic soundtrack has been added

Cover Photo:- Hugh Ballantyne/Courtesy Book Law Publications,
86258 “Talyllyn—The First Preserved Railway” passes Stafford, 19/5/1984.

Click here to order this volume 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

**RELEASED August 2018**

Jim Clemens Collection No.36.

With the steam declining rapidly in the UK, Jim Clemens decided that summer family holidays should be taken in Iberia. This volume covers the rail scene in Spain and Portugal between 1965 and 1969.

The first holiday was at Sitges, south of Barcelona. In addition to modern traction, a Hungarian-built Ganz diesel railcar from 1936 is seen on an Inter-City working. Working steam included 4-6-0s, 2-8-0s, 0-8-0s, and even 4-6-2 Garratts on shed. We travel along the Reus to Salou road-side tramway in coaches made at Loughborough! Barcelona and its tram system are also visited.

The Summer of 1966 found the family on the Costa Blanca. The ESA narrow-gauge system is covered along the coast through Benidorm to Denia. The British-built Alcoy & Gandia narrow gauge line is visited and included Isle-of-Man looking 2-6-2Ts. We see the Alicante tram system that closed in 1969 and visit Alicante broad-gauge engine shed, while the now-closed Benalua terminus included an 1880′s 0-6-0 as station pilot. More Garratts are seen at La Encina and Jativa.

Northern Portugal was the destination in both 1967 and 1968 (1968 only in this volume). The broad-gauge includes Viana do Castello and the Douro Valley line. The extensive narrow gauge system still operated much steam and we include rush hour at Oporto Trindade, Boa Vista (including trams) and Sernada do Vouga. We see 2-6-0Ts from the 1880s, impressive 2-8-2Ts from the 1930s, 0-4-4-0 Mallets, and even the asymmetric 2-4-6-0 Mallets.

The base in 1969 was Tarragona. By this time the Garratts had been concentrated here; watch them on freight workings to Reus and Lerida. The Madrid passenger service at Lerida was still steam worked and we see 2-8-2s, 4-8-0s, plus the giant 4-8-2s. More steam is seen at Mora La Neuva, even the 4,000hp Spanish version of a ‘Warship’! The Reus to Salou line is again visited and we see some of the Tarragona to Reus trolleybuses.

Filmed in colour, a commentary plus sound track complement this look at the railways of lberian between 1965 and 1969.

Cover Photo:- Jim Clemens, Garratt 2-8-2+2-8-2 hauling a freight from Tarragona to Lerida, July 1969.

Click here to order this volume 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