Yes it's Flying Scotsman time again! And the wonders of the new train age - powerful diesel engines, set to replace steam by 1972. More precisely this late' Sixties release predicted that by that date the last, of the 18,000 steam loco's of British Railways will have gone, making way for the more efficient, though less romantic diesels and overhead electrification.
A full turn out at Kings Cross for The Flying Scotsman's last official journey - its replacement, the new Flying Scotsman is a 3300 horsepower diesel engine - one thousand of a similar type brought into service in just one year - each one costing £90,000.
For the new trains, new tracks for a safer, faster, smoother ride, and new signaling systems. And there is new technology just 'around the corner' with the testing of the linear induction motor (whatever became of that?) and 'promises of trains that will run on time!
This fascinating one-reeler holds the interest and manages to include the Bluebell Line and a visit to the York Railway Museum as well as visits to diesel assembly plants.
The optimistic fervour of the time is somewhat spoilt by hindsight when one hears lines like: "meanwhile it's the diesel making the running and helping to haul the railways out of the reffi!
Reasonable definition with slightly dupey colour and OK sound. Excellent companion to Playing Trains.
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This page was last updated 02 Dec 2002