The last steam hauled passenger trains in regular service in Europe run out of the steam center at Wolsztyn, Poland. Join us for a Plandampf, a special steam event organized by The Wolsztyn Experience. We'll see three types of engines, O149-7, Pt47-65 and Tr5-65 on regular service trains to Poznan and on specials and a freight, hard at work, in October, 2009. by Highball Productions 75 mins * colour * narration * Widescreen Regular Price £ 20.00 NEW RELEASE OFFER £19.00 until 19th April |
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Sardinia an island off the west coast of Italy is home to an extensive narrow gauge railway system. Some steam locomotives were preserved and Machines of Iron was along in April 2004 for a photo charter trip on some of these lines. Join us as we wind our way through mountainous vallies over massive bridges recreating train operations of an earlier time. by Machines of Iron 47 mins * colour * narration Regular Price £ 20.00 |
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I don't know if it is the bright sunny day, the beautiful city of vienna or the trams themselves that makes the views around Vienna's ring road so delightful. We see a lot of trams in action. Conventional trams, new, slinky trams, historic trams and the interurban-like street railway. On the wide uncongested streets bendy trams are no problem and we get excellent views of all the trams. T by Highball Productions * NARRATION ON/OFF * 90 mins * colour. AVAILABLE IN REGULAR OR WIDESCREEN FORMAT. Please state preference under 'SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS' when ordering or regular format will automatically be sent. |
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The Harz Mountains in Northern Germany, formerly East Germany, is home to the largest steam powered meter gauge system in Europe. Chunky 2-10-2 tank engines are the mainstay of the three line system (Harzquerbahn, Brockenbahn and Selketalbahn) and power all service trains up the 3% 12 mile climb up to the Brocken. Charming 0-4-4-0 Mallet tanks and an 0-6-0 tank are used in regular service as well as enthusiasts specials, and a 2-6-2 tank is also available for enthusiasts specials. You'll see double headers, spectacular side by side departures and a variety of regular and special trains. Some awesome stack talk! Narration on/off feature. AVAILABLE IN REGULAR OR WIDESCREEN FORMAT. by Highball Productions 120 mins * colour * narrated |
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VISEU DE SUS A real working logging railway, with steam in use on a daily basis. The last steam logger in Europe, possibly the world. We rode working logging trains, or a railbus following the trains. In addition to the trains and the people, in Romania's Water Valley in perfect fall weather, you'll be chased by a train, see logging disconnects being loaded, the daily activity in Viseu, realigning track with a crowbar, and see a derailed loaded disconnect being rerailed, 3 ring circus doesn't begin to describe it! Plus you'll see a couple of diesels, and some of the bizarre truck/van hirailers, including firey cold starts. Health & Safety would have a fit, hard hats? safety goggles? Features Narration On/Off by Highball Productions 120 mins * colour * narrated |
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We visit the busy stations of Sud Bahnhof, West Bahnhof and Meidling, Austria's busiest railway station. We see long distance trains, with Austrian, German, Hungarian and Czech power, and both diesel and electric hauled local trains and several freight's, with both OBB and private operator power. Then we follow the main line to Saint Polten, visiting several local stations before spending time at St. Polten, where we see, in addition to the standard gauge activity, several trains on the narrow gauge Mariazellerbahn. Finally, we follow the main line south over Semmering pass, ending at Semmering where we get a look into the control room. A busy railroad, with lots of action. AVAILABLE IN REGULAR OR WIDESCREEN FORMAT. Please state preference under 'SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS' when ordering or regular format will automatically be sent. by Highball Productions * 120 mins * colour * Minimal narration |
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In 2006 the Simplon tunnel celebrates its 100th anniversary. Measuring 19.8 km in length, the structure lies at the heart of the important cross-Alpine railway line between Lausanne/Spiez and Domodossola via Brig. 3 films have been compiled especially for the centenary. The first is black & white and was produced in 1955. This 16 minute film was commissioned by SBB for the 50th birthday of the line. 25 years later SBB and BLS commisioned a 21 minute colour film portraying the history and future of the line. These 2 documentaries from the archives of SBB Historic are rounded off by a brand new production - a 46 minute account of the Simplon today by Raphael Suder. Together, they provide a superb record of 100 years of railway history. In the past, iconic trains like the Simplon-Orient-Express or the TEE used to cross the Alps on the Simplon route. Today the sleek dual-system Cisalpino trains offer fast services between Switzerland and Italy. The way goods trains are operated changed with the entry into the market of new providers. In December 2007, the opening of the Lötschberg base tunnel will raise the importance of the Simplon even further. See these interesting and varied railway operations on the Simplon, with fascinating helicopter shots showing the remarkable setting of the line in the beautiful Alpine panorama between Lake Geneva and Lago Maggiore. by EK VERLAG * 85 mins * B&W and Colour * ENGLISH Narrated SPECIAL PRICE £ 17.95 |
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The famous Gotthard railway line is among the most important routes of Switzerland. The current construction of the Gotthard base tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in the world. The central section between Erstfeld and Biasca is a remarkable piece of mountain railway engineering. With gradients up to 2.7%, dozens of bridges and spiralling tunnels it offers breathtaking views and fascinating railway operations including pushing engines. Historical footage recalls the steam age and the legendary Ce 6/8II and Ae 8/14 locos. Goods trains pulled by locos of SBB, BLS or TX-Logistic are shown along with DB 185s or Taurus. The film shows the past, the present and the future of this unique railway line. by EK Verlag *120 mins + 15 mins bonus * colour * English narration |
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We start our look at the trains of Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, at Central Station, where we see electric locomotive hauled trains and emu's, and a few freights. We take a brief look at Amsterdam's extensive tram network, then head for a public park to trains at work. Next, we're off to a couple of locations in Dordrecht for freight from the Port of Rotterdam to Germany and Belgium, both electric and diesel, then Lage Zwaludwe for more freight and passenger trains, including the Thalys high speed train to Paris, and Belgian freight and passenger trains. by Highball Productions 105 mins * colour * narrated |
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Join us under the superb glass arched roof of the main station in Cologne, Germany for intense passenger train action, with suburban services, intercity services and lots of ICE trains. Next it’s off to the suburbs to see trains at speed, then we pay a visit to Cologne West for both diesel and electric hauled freight trains from a variety of carriers, and passenger trains heading to and from the city. For every DVD sold of this programme, SPV will donate £ 1.00 towards "The Channel Challenge" by Highball Productions 120 mins * colour * narrated |
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We take an extraordinary journey along the breathtaking Locarno - Domossola route. This direct link between the Gotthard and Simplonbahn, passes over 83 bridges and through 31 tunnels. Two companies share operations on the Centovallibahn: the Swiss FART (Societa Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali Ticinese) and the Italian SSIF (Societa Subalpina Imprese Ferroviarie). The ancient landscape is as fascinating as are the romantic villages in which time apparently stood still. Swiss section is 20km long FART information and equipment; 1000mm * 1.4kv DC * 2 three-car articulated EMU's * 9 two-car articulated EMU's * 3 electric locos, 10 wagons. Italian Section is 32km long SSIF information and equipment; 1000mm * 1.35kv DC * 11 EMU's *11 coaches * 27 Wagons. This is an incredible beautiful trip through the Southern Alps by EK VERLAG 40mins * colour * narrated Regular price £16.95 |
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In July 2000, after many years of reconstruction, the Furka-Bergstrecke between Realp (Uri, Switzerland) and Gletsch (Wallis, Switzerland) was reopened. Finally you can climb up the beautiful Rhoneglacier by steam-traction. In 1982, after opening of the Furka-basetunnel, the mountain line was condemned for demolition and nowadays is run under private management by friends of the railway. They renovated numerous nostalgic carriages and swiss steam locomotives which were over eighty years old, some brought back from Vietnam. From the clearing of snow in June to the shutdown in October, our camera accompanied the eventful running of this railway enterprise in a superb, picturesque and nearly untouched high-mountainous region. Surrounded by alpine flowers the train climbs up to 11.8% at its steepest sections and travels over bold curved viaducts. See also the folding bridge (dismantled for winter) over the "Steffenbach" and the 1847 m long peaktunnel on Furkapass. by Eisenbahn Kurier 55 mins * colour * narrated |
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by Machines of Iron 60 mins * colour * hifi sound * narrated At the turn turn of the 20th century, the area of Wielkopolska in Western Poland was the home of one of the last regular steam operated railways in the world. Wolzytn is the center of activity here steam hauled passenger and freight trains roam the rails on rural lines that radiate from the picturesque village. Join Machines of Iron as we take you line side for a ride past the villages and farms. Experience a ride in the cab of one of the magnificent Polish steam locomotives, and enjoy the disappearing experience of regular steam railroading with Poland adventure. |
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Europe At Its Most Beautiful! A trip on the Glacier Express is one of the most impressive railroad experiences around. The famous holiday resorts of Zermatt, St.Moritz and Davos are connected in an almost 8-hour trip by the slowest "Express Train in the World", which travels through this breathtaking landscape. The train spirals to an altitude of over 2000 meters, partly as a rack and pinion railway. The 1000 mm narrow gauge route between Zermatt and St Moritz has 91 tunnels the longest being 15.4 km and 291 bridges, many with outstanding views. This informative video with its incredible scenery (including helicopter shots) and historical footage will bring back wonderful memories to those who have been and encourage travel plans for those yet to visit. Just outstanding! |
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by Highball Productions * 120 mins * colour* hifi sound * narrated Spend Sunday afternoon on the main station in Zurich, Switzerland, with 64 trains in one hour, including French and Italian. Then we head down to the Gotthard Line for a look at both passenger and freight trains. Amazing action, and they run to time! DVD-R |
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The Lago Maggiore Express offers you an unforgettable journey by train and ship. The round trip begins in Locarno with the narrow-gauge Centovalli train, which is run by the Swiss FART and the Italian SSIF. The 52 km long railway with a magnificent alpine character, winds through the wild-romantic "valley of 100 valleys", passing meadows full of flowers and bridges that will make you dizzy, waterfalls and vine-clad hills. Encounters with the historic trains "Tramin" and "No. 17" recall old times. From Domo-dossola in Italy the journey with the tilting train "Cisalpino", including views from the train driver's cab, leads to the Lago Maggiore, to Stresa. You will be charmed by the little Italian towns and the unforgettable Borromaic Islands. This video is marked by romantic and also unusual camera shots; beautiful pictures taken from the helicopter round off this (train) film. by EK VERLAG 45 mins * colour * narrated |
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tells the intriguing story of the planning, building and operation of a pioneering six mile long, standard gauge line running from England's premier Cathedral City to the "Native" oyster beds of Whitstable, on the north Kent coast. What makes this railway so remarkable is that it was conceived and built before almost any other passenger railway in the world and well known railway pioneers such as George and Robert Stephenson, Isambard Kingdom Brunnel, Thomas Telford were involved. Originally independent, the railway, with "INVICTA" as it's only steam locomotive, soon ran into financial trouble and was rescued in 1846 by "The South East Railway", and then in 1899 it was brought into the strange working arrangement of the "South Eastern & Chatham & Dover Joint Management Committee" where it enjoyed it's heyday. By 1923 it was absorbed into "Southern Railways" and a quarter of a century later it was part of "BRITISH RAIL SOUTHERN REGION" The railway provided sterling service to a small part of north Kent for 123 years from 1830 to its untimely demise in 1953. It was a truly pioneering railway in so many ways such as providing the first regular steam powered passenger service in the country using the first brick built tunnel (678 yards long) and the first brick built bridges. The first season tickets were issued by the C&W as well as the first combined railway and steam packet tickets by water to London. Other "firsts", too numerous to mention, are included in the DVD. This railway was new, exciting, pioneering and effective in bringing change to life in East Kent. Within the next thirty years, railways would transform social life in Britain forever. This was in no small measure due this railway and those few Steam Powered Visionaries of the early 19th century. rare footage, more than fifty years old, showing the railway operating at Whitstable Harbour in the early 1950's, it's "last run" in November 1952 and subsequent re-opening in February 1953 to bring flood relief to the stricken town of Whitstable following the disastrous "East Coast Floods". As a bonus there is rare archive footage of the inaugural run of the "Thanet Belle" Pullman service from Victoria Station to Ramsgate, which at Whitstable passed under the Canterbury & Whitstable line. Cameras were not invented when the railway opened in 1830, but these very early years are brought to life by untold drawings, maps and diagrams, including several of "INVICTA", the first locomotive on the line and now on display in Canterbury Museum. Animations have been used to illustrate the problems of gradients posed by the terrain and resulted in the construction of the infamous "Tyler Hill Tunnel". The DVD explains why this tunnel caused the demise of the line in 1952, not because of collapse or through "Beeching" cuts, or its gradient of 1in 43, but due to its small dimension. From 1860 onwards an abundance of photographs are used to illustrate early locomotives and halts, together with stations. by Harbor Heights Productions 55 mins * archive film & photos * narration |
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A look at two of Britain's Heritage Railways, the North Yorkshire Moors and the Great Central, both on Gala Weekends and with a total of 13 engines in steam. The world's newest main line steam engine, the 2008 built A1 Pacific "Tornado" is running on the GC, as is the 2008 restored Britannia Pacific "Oliver Cromwell". by Highball Productions 90 mins * colour * narration * Features narration on/off |
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The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Light Railway is a 15" gauge, 1/3 scale railway running for 13.5 miles through the English countryside in Kent, southeast England. The locomotives are to the outline of Gresley A3 Pacifics, plus a pair of 4-8-2's, in a variety of liveries. Built in the late 1920's, impeccably maintained and turned out, these 9+ ton engines are truly delightful. The railway is not a toy, hauling school children as well as tourists. As much fun as anything I've seen! by Highball Productions WIDESCREEN ONLY 60 mins * colour * narration ON/OFF Regular Price £ 18 |
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British Rail withdrew 50 019 Ramillies from service in 1990 and the locomotive would almost certainly have been broken up for scrap had it not been for a far sighted group of dedicated preservationists who seeing further potential in the locomotive purchased her and have worked tirelessly to restore her to almost new condition. .... This is their story. Filmed over 16 years, the story starts utilising Class 50 member's footage at Exeter Riverside. It covers the removal of Ramillies from the Riverside Yard by road including the breakdown of the road transport tractor and the subsequent stranding of the load in the middle of Exeter City. The tractor unit is replaced but further delays are endured with the discovery of a broken link on the suspension of the trailer and then visits from council officials who are anxious about the height of the load under the M5 motorway bridges. Five years pass and the locomotive is now at Eridge in Sussex, this part of the film covers some of the remarkable work members have achieved to restore Ramillies. We also see Ramillies running under her own power to Tunbridge Wells for again loading on to a road rig in preparation for her move to The Mid Norfolk Railway. All the loading on to the rig is covered, so if you have ever wondered how to get a 117 ton loco on to a low loader then watch this film. Finally we see Ramillies at her new location on The Mid Norfolk Railway and take a trip with her along that line to Wymondham Abbey. SPA Films 90 mins * colour * narrated Regular Price £ 14.95 |
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TWO PROGRAMS ON ONE DVD ! BLANCHE AND THE EARL takes a look at two of the Ffestiniog's locomotives, Blanche and the Earl of Merioneth. You'll take a cab ride on Blanche, and see both Blanch and the Earl from trackside. In addition, you'll take a brief tour of Boston Lodge shops, and a quick look down a slate mine. Blanche makes a lot of noise for a little engine, lots of fun! GARRATTS UNDER SNOWDON will take you on a cab ride on one of the Welsh Highland Railway's 2' gauge ex South African Beyer Garratts, enormous locomtives for two foot gauge. You'll also see the two Garratts from trackside, ride the train and see a little of the beautiful Welsh scenery that the railway runs through. Features Narration On/Off by Highball Productions * 110 mins * colour * narrated AVAILABLE IN REGULAR OR WIDESCREEN FORMAT. Please state preference under 'SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS' when ordering or regular format will automatically be sent.Regular price £ 19.95 |
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Join award winning videographer Peter Crook on a magical journey by steam train through the highlands of Scotland. You'll see the lochs and the glens, the curved viaduct at Glenfinnan, used in the Harry Potter movies. You'll see the fishing port of Mallaig, you'll ride the "Jacobite" steam train through the splendid, picturesque scenery of the highlands on "the iron road to the isle"s and learn about Bonnie Prince Charlie. Bonus Feature - Go Over the Sea to Skye and take a video tour of this beautiful island. by Highball * 70 mins * colour * narrated |
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Britain's railways were privatized in 1998, so with 25 passenger franchises, 3 freight companies and pre-privatization paint schemes, Britain's railways are colourful indeed. Join us as we tour some of London's main line termini, some suburban stations and the busiest railway station in Britain, Clapham Junction. See the electric trains of Great North Eastern, Anglia, Gatwick Express and Virgin West Coast, the HST's of Virgin, GNE, Midland Main Line and First Great Western. Marvel at the volume of brightly coloured trains at Clapham Junction, be awed by the power of Eurostar trains, and see freights of English, Welsh and Scottish and Freightliner. Taped in August, 2000. by Highball Productions 120 mins * colour * narrated |
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