I need to watch this series now! And I love how you bring up how all school boys wanted to be engine drivers, before public relations lost interest for cars, jets, and Beatlemania. Lennon even said once that if he wasn't in the music business, he would've been an engine driver.
But he also called the other Beatles to their London office on this day (19th of May) in 1967 to announce that he was "Jesus Christ" !!! Unless he was making music (in which case he was most likely high on LSD or similar) how could anyone take him seriously after a few years?
I have to praise Railway Roundabout for providing us with many behind the scenes facts which many modern sources miss or mess up. I saw my first footage of an E2, J52, and L&Y classes with this series. I think another major factor with the time period was the mix of power. During that era, BR was managing steam, diesel, and electric powe.
"If you were growing out of The Railway Series and was yearning to find out more about the real thing - calm down, that wasn't meant as a stab" XD made my night Liking this series so far Chris, i remember my granddad owned a VHS tape of the 1958 broadcasts and i believe there was one part with a holiday coach, although it could've been on something else idk.
my grandfather would watch these as a child, and when he finally was let to run around, he ran down to the nearest station, crossing anything and watch the trains and he once told me "I sat there admiring the trains and hoping to be on that show"
I bought the full DVD set after watching this episode, and it did not disappoint! This series is beautiful, and I can see how much love was put into this series. Rewatching this review after seeing the full series, all I can say, Chris, is that it is a brilliant summation of the show and how important it is!
A wonderful and accurate appraisal of a bit of british railway history on film, and very nicely edited. Thank you from Germany PS I actually like the Peter Woods narative! Keep up the good work!
Another great video Chris. Glad to see so many clips of the unique events that happened such as HR 103, Severn & Wye, and so forth. Thanks for the video.
People today don't seem to realise that Video tape used to be very expensive and so many companies had to over-tape to save costs, not defending the practice, but I understand why it unfortunately happened :/
The Japanese have a "Top Gear for Railways"! It's called "Japan Railway Journal." It's a Jolly Good Program from NHK World. I highly suggest looking into it.
I was so happy when I stumbled upon this in my old DVD collection. It has so much invaluable footage: the J13 in action on the bluebell, the only known footage of the E2 and viaduct inspection unit, an Adams Radial on the Lyme Regis and so many other locos that were sadly not preserved.
I didn't know I owned these till recently. I was quite shocked to find I owned the only known footage of E2s and clips of many other nostlgic or favoured engines, such as Lion, the Midland Spinner, Mallard and clips of Bristol Temple Meads.
Magnificent series, that. The bits I've been able to scrounge up on RUclips have changed my perception of Britain's railway history, and as such changed a little bit of my life. They've taught me so much about what railways were like at the time, how they worked, and the history behind them. If only the BBC/NRM wouldn't be so stubborn about making such programs as this easily available on the other side of the pond, I would snatch them up in an instant. Can I guess that we'll be seeing a follow-up episode sometime in the future on the topic of Ivo Peters' phenomenal railway film collection, which has been preserved in much the same way as Railway Roundabout? I even thought Ivo Peters *was* part of the RR team until you failed to mention him here. Also, regarding modern railway television programs, while yes Trainspotting Live was a disappointment (though from the episode I saw I think maybe the amount of boiling vitriol surrounding it is a bit overblown; yes, it wasn't good, often feeling quite silly, contrived, and poorly thought out, but I rarely felt like it was as blatantly patronizing or insulting to rail enthusiasts as a lot of people, respectfully including your own good self, may have claimed), there are still modern efforts to preserve Britain's current railways on television. One cannot overstate the impact of programs like "Great British Railway Journeys", with Michael Portillo showing just how extensive Britain's railways still are, and how much of an impact they've had and continue to have on virtually every aspect of British civilization; literally nothing in your modern life would exist now without the railways seems to be a message of that program. There's also the Ruth Goodman production "Full Steam Ahead", which showed off not just a detailed look into the history and historical operations of Britain's railways (though in a way that perhaps could have been organized to feel a touch less disjointed), but also how Britain's preserved railways are still capable of bringing those once common but now nearly extinct railway operations to life, if only for the camera. Even "Top Gear" itself has played its own little role in preserving Britain's modern railway heritage with programs like their race race from London to Edinburgh, which introduced the world to the new-built locomotive Tornado and may have been the true spark that turned her from a one-off curiosity to the flagship of the new-build wave that is sweeping that little island, with so many other lost steam engines following her lead and rising, plate by rivet, from the scrapyard's grave.
Ivo Peters started off with still photography and got into film recording after he saw footage of an airshow. It's good that both Railway Roundabout and Ivo Peters were filming when they were as it was the end of an era when they were filmed.
I remember something on the BBC in the 1980's with Noel Edmonds. As I recall that was pretty awful but not as bad as Train spotting Live. Far too many mistakes when the subject comes up on TV. I think the BBC's Tom Ingall knows his stuff- I met him once at Barrowhill roundhouse selling calendars for the Great Central Railway. Bring back Roundabout.
And I could believe that Railway Roundabout is like the Top Gear for Trains, its great! And one more thing, about kids growing out of the Railway Series and going forward to more serious research, I was one of them, but instead of in the 1960s, it was the 2000s, my family wasn't stable with money, so I grew up with episodes of the Railway Roundabouts and the RWS, its great to be honest! Good day, BigAllan
In the states the worst thing that happened that hindered tv productions is when the show big brother had a union pacific conductor on it. He was then caught praising hitler. After that no railroad over here would allow any cameras on the property.
The railway roundabout and your series are my Favorited shows to watch. As well as the railway roundabout, your series is very much I enjoyable a lot and I get excited to see the next episode of your series and also your sole slips.
Fantastic episode love this new series and Railway Roundabout and Peter Woods commentary is legendary. Trainspotting live is definitely a huge embarrassment to us railway enthusiasts, why BBC continue to show it (and that even worse disaster Full Steam Ahead) is beyond me. Can't you go and show them how its really done? After all you are (In my eyes at least) to steam locomotives what Fred Dibnah was to steam rollers
Already been and tried. Unfortunately, the BBC weren't interested. For me, FSA seemed more focused, creative, genuine and better produced than TSLIVE. But, obviously that's subjective.
I've seen some of the footage but never seen it in its original 1960s program. Is it even available in its original form?? There was even a radio program back in those days called Railway Roundup those seem mostly lost as well.
Anyone remember the Discovery show back in about 2003 called Trainspotting? Seems quite similar to what Railway Roundabout was, except in a modern time giving a look at the introduction of new trains like the Pendolinos and Electrostars , the phasing out of units like the Thumpers and other industry things(like railway crime) whilst also featuring stuff from across the world and preserved railways. I think you can find all the episodes on here these days.
Hey man this was a great video. British Steam has always fascinated me. I was pretty bumbed when I found out that OO scale and HO scale are not the same!
The reason we had steam after ww2 was because most of Frances and Germanys railways were wrecked because of allied bombing so they could start from scratch again. Any way why did BR build steam locos then scrap many of them in the 1960s? I have wondered that.
I know this almost 2 years old but great job. I got the entire series on dvd which although doesn’t have the original voice overs is still brilliant. Also, I have been looking all over RUclips but have not found another train series which I am quite fond of. Although it is about 1980 to early 2000 diesels, The Glory Days of the Diesels/Diesel Glory Days (Not sure which to call it) is something I would like to hear your opinion on if you are familiar with the series as well. If it isn’t your cup of tea, that is fine to. I would like any advice on any other British railway series that may be of interest. Thanks.
Man, Britain really did have its love in railways much longer than the US. Most of our programs mainly showcase the railway museums and heritage lines. Other than some safety films after the 1950's, there was never a set program and most of the railroad videos are by small companies who purchase rights to use the films.
As Australian Hear about though Other Program Found the Box Set Railway DVD seller and Bought it. Below The Budget But this were I found My Top Ten Steam Loco's and Made get more Books and DVD and about 6 years Later I'm going
Another interesting one. To address the main point, Railway Roundabout made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Trainspotting Live, which was great entertainment value for pure farce, clearly wasn't and nor was Full Steam B*****ks that aired just after it (personally I thought that was worse!) The enemy of modern railway shows is false enthusiasm, it's fake and patronising. The likes of The Train Now Departing features legends like Martyn Ashworth and Adrian Vaughan who just ooze enthusiasm at every turn and the same applies to Steam Days with Miles Kington. The only show in recent times to feel like it was being presented by genuine enthusiasts (on TV) was Trainspotting on the Discovery channel which I guess was heavily influenced by RR. A railway Top Gear thou? I think it's the Blue Carnation, a quest for the impossible ;)
Matter of opinion, which you're entitled to. But the whole point of them is to provide a personified addition to the proceedings of the editorial in the absence of copyright-free material, while providing visual aid for those hard of hearing or reading ability AND simultaneously paying a small tribute to Moviebob's The Big Picture; which partially inspired this show. If you don't like it, then fine. You're entitled not to. But it's no use acting like you're the majority and that it should all change on account of a few people.
I need to watch this series now! And I love how you bring up how all school boys wanted to be engine drivers, before public relations lost interest for cars, jets, and Beatlemania.
Lennon even said once that if he wasn't in the music business, he would've been an engine driver.
But he also called the other Beatles to their London office on this day (19th of May) in 1967 to announce that he was "Jesus Christ" !!! Unless he was making music (in which case he was most likely high on LSD or similar) how could anyone take him seriously after a few years?
"Railway Roundabout" predicting SLIPS since 1958
Midland Compound 1000 but the presentation of SLIPS is incredible. I was hooked!!!!
same here 😁
40th like
I have to praise Railway Roundabout for providing us with many behind the scenes facts which many modern sources miss or mess up. I saw my first footage of an E2, J52, and L&Y classes with this series. I think another major factor with the time period was the mix of power. During that era, BR was managing steam, diesel, and electric powe.
"If you were growing out of The Railway Series and was yearning to find out more about the real thing - calm down, that wasn't meant as a stab" XD made my night
Liking this series so far Chris, i remember my granddad owned a VHS tape of the 1958 broadcasts and i believe there was one part with a holiday coach, although it could've been on something else idk.
my grandfather would watch these as a child, and when he finally was let to run around, he ran down to the nearest station, crossing anything and watch the trains and he once told me "I sat there admiring the trains and hoping to be on that show"
THere was that one time Jame May and Richard Hammond built a "train" out of an Audi and a few Caravans/Campers, also Clarkson's run with Tornado.
I bought the full DVD set after watching this episode, and it did not disappoint! This series is beautiful, and I can see how much love was put into this series. Rewatching this review after seeing the full series, all I can say, Chris, is that it is a brilliant summation of the show and how important it is!
Excellent and thanks for spending your time and effort to make Gauge the Issue a good view.
A wonderful and accurate appraisal of a bit of british railway history on film, and very nicely edited. Thank you from Germany
PS I actually like the Peter Woods narative! Keep up the good work!
Another great video Chris. Glad to see so many clips of the unique events that happened such as HR 103, Severn & Wye, and so forth. Thanks for the video.
People today don't seem to realise that Video tape used to be very expensive and so many companies had to over-tape to save costs, not defending the practice, but I understand why it unfortunately happened :/
I think that Network Rail use a version of that viaduct inspection vehicle to inspect places like Cynghordy Viaduct.
The Japanese have a "Top Gear for Railways"! It's called "Japan Railway Journal." It's a Jolly Good Program from NHK World. I highly suggest looking into it.
I was so happy when I stumbled upon this in my old DVD collection. It has so much invaluable footage: the J13 in action on the bluebell, the only known footage of the E2 and viaduct inspection unit, an Adams Radial on the Lyme Regis and so many other locos that were sadly not preserved.
I didn't know I owned these till recently. I was quite shocked to find I owned the only known footage of E2s and clips of many other nostlgic or favoured engines, such as Lion, the Midland Spinner, Mallard and clips of Bristol Temple Meads.
Magnificent series, that. The bits I've been able to scrounge up on RUclips have changed my perception of Britain's railway history, and as such changed a little bit of my life. They've taught me so much about what railways were like at the time, how they worked, and the history behind them. If only the BBC/NRM wouldn't be so stubborn about making such programs as this easily available on the other side of the pond, I would snatch them up in an instant.
Can I guess that we'll be seeing a follow-up episode sometime in the future on the topic of Ivo Peters' phenomenal railway film collection, which has been preserved in much the same way as Railway Roundabout? I even thought Ivo Peters *was* part of the RR team until you failed to mention him here.
Also, regarding modern railway television programs, while yes Trainspotting Live was a disappointment (though from the episode I saw I think maybe the amount of boiling vitriol surrounding it is a bit overblown; yes, it wasn't good, often feeling quite silly, contrived, and poorly thought out, but I rarely felt like it was as blatantly patronizing or insulting to rail enthusiasts as a lot of people, respectfully including your own good self, may have claimed), there are still modern efforts to preserve Britain's current railways on television.
One cannot overstate the impact of programs like "Great British Railway Journeys", with Michael Portillo showing just how extensive Britain's railways still are, and how much of an impact they've had and continue to have on virtually every aspect of British civilization; literally nothing in your modern life would exist now without the railways seems to be a message of that program.
There's also the Ruth Goodman production "Full Steam Ahead", which showed off not just a detailed look into the history and historical operations of Britain's railways (though in a way that perhaps could have been organized to feel a touch less disjointed), but also how Britain's preserved railways are still capable of bringing those once common but now nearly extinct railway operations to life, if only for the camera.
Even "Top Gear" itself has played its own little role in preserving Britain's modern railway heritage with programs like their race race from London to Edinburgh, which introduced the world to the new-built locomotive Tornado and may have been the true spark that turned her from a one-off curiosity to the flagship of the new-build wave that is sweeping that little island, with so many other lost steam engines following her lead and rising, plate by rivet, from the scrapyard's grave.
Ivo Peters started off with still photography and got into film recording after he saw footage of an airshow. It's good that both Railway Roundabout and Ivo Peters were filming when they were as it was the end of an era when they were filmed.
I am absolutely loving this Series Chris.
Can't wait to see more!
I remember something on the BBC in the 1980's with Noel Edmonds. As I recall that was pretty awful but not as bad as Train spotting Live. Far too many mistakes when the subject comes up on TV. I think the BBC's Tom Ingall knows his stuff- I met him once at Barrowhill roundhouse selling calendars for the Great Central Railway. Bring back Roundabout.
And I could believe that Railway Roundabout is like the Top Gear for Trains, its great!
And one more thing, about kids growing out of the Railway Series and going forward to more serious research, I was one of them, but instead of in the 1960s, it was the 2000s, my family wasn't stable with money, so I grew up with episodes of the Railway Roundabouts and the RWS, its great to be honest!
Good day,
BigAllan
enjoying this new show. great work
now I wana watch the entire series
In the states the worst thing that happened that hindered tv productions is when the show big brother had a union pacific conductor on it. He was then caught praising hitler. After that no railroad over here would allow any cameras on the property.
I take it the Railway Roundabout series was inspiration for your SLIP series, eh Chris? ;)
That would be funny seeing a celebrity duo trying to drive a steam engine up the reasonably steep bank
Absolutely gorgeous! Will definitely buy thr DVDs!
Same!
I never realized how impactful Railway Roundabout actually was. Great video as always Chris!
The railway roundabout and your series are my Favorited shows to watch. As well as the railway roundabout, your series is very much I enjoyable a lot and I get excited to see the next episode of your series and also your sole slips.
I love Railway Roundabout! :)
You hit the nail right on the head in this video.
Fantastic episode love this new series and Railway Roundabout and Peter Woods commentary is legendary. Trainspotting live is definitely a huge embarrassment to us railway enthusiasts, why BBC continue to show it (and that even worse disaster Full Steam Ahead) is beyond me.
Can't you go and show them how its really done? After all you are (In my eyes at least) to steam locomotives what Fred Dibnah was to steam rollers
Already been and tried. Unfortunately, the BBC weren't interested.
For me, FSA seemed more focused, creative, genuine and better produced than TSLIVE. But, obviously that's subjective.
It seems the BBC don't know a winner when they see one
5:35 Slow down! Wait for me!
Murdoch : no!
Arthur : please wait!
“Can we film on your line?” “No” “Ok, we will go on the Western Region” “What locomotives do you want?”
I have these on DVD but still love to see the entirety of each programme on DVD.
Excellent. Thanks Chris.
Great video Chris I picked up Railway Roundabout last January at a show really enjoyed every minute of it.
I've seen some of the footage but never seen it in its original 1960s program. Is it even available in its original form?? There was even a radio program back in those days called Railway Roundup those seem mostly lost as well.
Anyone remember the Discovery show back in about 2003 called Trainspotting? Seems quite similar to what Railway Roundabout was, except in a modern time giving a look at the introduction of new trains like the Pendolinos and Electrostars , the phasing out of units like the Thumpers and other industry things(like railway crime) whilst also featuring stuff from across the world and preserved railways. I think you can find all the episodes on here these days.
Hey man this was a great video. British Steam has always fascinated me. I was pretty bumbed when I found out that OO scale and HO scale are not the same!
this new series is really great Chris!
The reason we had steam after ww2 was because most of Frances and Germanys railways were wrecked because of allied bombing so they could start from scratch again. Any way why did BR build steam locos then scrap many of them in the 1960s?
I have wondered that.
Am happy about the railway series and not just Thomas I like the little mile
Yes. I completely agree with that.
I always envied the UK's rail preservation movement. If only the one here in the states had more time and cash.
Rather enjoying this series Chris! Made some wonderful points here, keep it up.
So how many films did railway round about make
I know this almost 2 years old but great job. I got the entire series on dvd which although doesn’t have the original voice overs is still brilliant. Also, I have been looking all over RUclips but have not found another train series which I am quite fond of. Although it is about 1980 to early 2000 diesels, The Glory Days of the Diesels/Diesel Glory Days (Not sure which to call it) is something I would like to hear your opinion on if you are familiar with the series as well. If it isn’t your cup of tea, that is fine to. I would like any advice on any other British railway series that may be of interest. Thanks.
Keep them coming Chris
Man, Britain really did have its love in railways much longer than the US. Most of our programs mainly showcase the railway museums and heritage lines. Other than some safety films after the 1950's, there was never a set program and most of the railroad videos are by small companies who purchase rights to use the films.
Railway Roundabout looks cool.
Can you do a review of the 2001 & 04 of Trains
"Railway Roundabout Bonus"... Check out this too
Absolutely. Even though this is available via the complete collection DVD boxset
How is 'Gooch Wins Regularly' derogatory?
Like God's Wonderful Railway or Great Way Round, it was more meant to be a humerous play on the initials.
I have a DVD set of this.
Where/what is that miniature train at 2:35?
I wish we had gotten an American equivalent of this.
7:27 Really?! They are planning on re-opening the Ardingly branch, of this I am hopeful!!!
very nice Chris
lol "Gresley Was Right" Indeed. Love the vids, Chris. Good work.
As Australian Hear about though Other Program Found the Box Set Railway DVD seller and Bought it. Below The Budget But this were I found My Top Ten Steam Loco's and Made get more Books and DVD and about 6 years Later I'm going
2:48 I can't really see the number at the top but I think it's number 1 but thomas the tank engine was the 2nd book wrote
dose steam locos in profile actually show FRONT of a steam locomotive NOT a profile?!
*facepalm*
How dare you show a pacer on your channel! I'll let be writing to offcom about this disgraceful coverage, there are children watching!
I like Railway Roundabout because of the E2 footage
I'm not surprised judging by your profile picture
Another interesting one. To address the main point, Railway Roundabout made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Trainspotting Live, which was great entertainment value for pure farce, clearly wasn't and nor was Full Steam B*****ks that aired just after it (personally I thought that was worse!) The enemy of modern railway shows is false enthusiasm, it's fake and patronising. The likes of The Train Now Departing features legends like Martyn Ashworth and Adrian Vaughan who just ooze enthusiasm at every turn and the same applies to Steam Days with Miles Kington. The only show in recent times to feel like it was being presented by genuine enthusiasts (on TV) was Trainspotting on the Discovery channel which I guess was heavily influenced by RR. A railway Top Gear thou? I think it's the Blue Carnation, a quest for the impossible ;)
I thought Britain is still Europe
Wow i this age butifly
In the complete collection, do they have the unbroadcasted footage from 1963?
Yes. On the 'Revisited' disc
Thanks Chris
Also, where can I find the footage of the two glens to fort william?
In the complete collection. It has everything
Once again, thank you Chris
Do steam
i can't imagine whom you think you might have offended. Indeed, you've offended me by being so gutless.
I'm not sure I follow
Why did you feel obliged to apologise in advance when you were hardly expressing any controversial opinion?
In this case, because on more than one occasion, some people took offence to my thoughts on Trainspotting Live
And you took them seriously?
I love your work and enjoy it so please don't misunderstand me. I just can't see why you need to try to be so nice? No one has to look at it.
Why keep showing the drawn face - we all know what a smile or frown looks like!
Why do you take issue with personification or emotion?
I Just think that showing these facial expressions that the whole doc. Is made infantile. I love the content a lot but feel annoyed.
Matter of opinion, which you're entitled to. But the whole point of them is to provide a personified addition to the proceedings of the editorial in the absence of copyright-free material, while providing visual aid for those hard of hearing or reading ability AND simultaneously paying a small tribute to Moviebob's The Big Picture; which partially inspired this show.
If you don't like it, then fine. You're entitled not to. But it's no use acting like you're the majority and that it should all change on account of a few people.