The Age of Steam was born in Britain, it was one of the greatest technological breakthroughs the world had ever seen. It changed everything from the food we could eat to the jobs we could do and it powered Britain's rise to the summit of imperial power. It lasted 130 years and then was gone. Lines were axed and steam was replaced by diesel and electric trains. Yet out of the ashes the steam lines rose again as enthusiasts re-opened old lines and fired up long silent steam engines. Today the heritage lines are thriving bringing the age of steam back to life and with it bringing joy to 8 million passengers every year.
Episode 1
Oct 17, 2019
22-year-old Sports Scientist Megan Smith has a dream: to become a steam locomotive Fireman on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. Under the watchful eye of 80-year-old Cedric Lodge, we follow Megan, as she fires-up NG143 and sets off along the 25 miles from Caernarfon to Porthmadog. Meanwhile, 155 miles away is the much smaller Great Central Railway, which is staging its annual Goods Galore Gala – a chance for the paying public to enjoy the sights, sounds & smells of all kinds of rolling stock being hauled & shunted up & down 8 miles of heritage track. We spend some time in the original lever-operated Signal Box with David Bridges in South Devon…and see how lightweight plastic sleepers are slowly replacing old wooden ones back on the Ffestiniog with Alun Tomlinson and his track repair crew.
Episode 2
Oct 24, 2019
At the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway, manager Stephen Greig is trying to ensure that all goes to plan ahead of the opening of the new station at Caernarfon.
Episode 3
Oct 31, 2019
At South Devon, Chief Engineer Ray Lee is working to bring a loco back in to service. Down the road in Dartmouth, we pay a visit to the SS Kingswear paddle steamer, the oldest vessel of its kind.
Episode 4
Nov 7, 2019
On the Welsh Highland Railway, trainee Claire Oates takes her driving test, while chef Alex and manager Michelle prepare a dinner for 130 people on the East Lancashire railway.
Episode 5
Nov 14, 2019
At the East Lancashire Railway, the annual Race the Train event gets under way - with athletes of all abilities taking on the 11-mile course from Bury to Rawtenstall
Episode 6
Nov 21, 2019
Meeting the Welsh Highland Railway's oldest volunteer fireman, 80-year-old Cedric Lodge, who has worked on the railways for 60 years. In Devon, there is a look at the Autotrain.
Episode 7
Nov 28, 2019
Great Central Railway's Scott Manley takes a rainy busman's holiday working as a guard at Bury, while a team of volunteers in Wales try to keep the line clear of overgrown plants.
Episode 8
Dec 5, 2019
At the South Devon Railway, Andy Leech and Liz Turner host afternoon tea for 44 passengers. In East Lancashire, volunteer Chandra Law takes on the new role of Stationmaster.
Episode 9
Dec 12, 2019
Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway are celebrating their annual Victorian Weekend, while in south Devon, silver service waiter Andy Leech runs the three-course Sunday lunch.
Episode 10
Dec 19, 2019
On the Welsh Highland Railway, a newly built Pullman carriage is on its way to Caernarfon Station and a Saddle Tank Loco is being completely restored on the East Lancashire Railway.
