The Chiltern Line was filmed in 1989 just ahead of the total route modernisation. It captures for posterity one of the last main lines to employ the first generation of diesel multiple units in front-line service. As a bonus it also shows a classic diesel-hauled outer-suburban train hauled by a class 50 – both types of traction long since extinct on national rail. Back in 1989, this ex GW/GC joint line still retained much of its former character. There was evidence of the numerous centre run-through roads and semaphore signalling still in use – in the case of High Wycombe virtually unchanged since steam days (frontispiece).
Take One
The GWR connection from Paddington. Class 50 Diesel No. 035 “Ark Royal” hauls the only passenger train of the day then still to use the old GWR route – the 18.12 to Banbury. We ride in the cab as far as Northolt Junction.
Take Two
The Great Central Connection from Marylebone. A class 115 DMU takes us from Marylebone, through Northolt Junction and all the Way to Banbury via High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Bicester. It shows the line which had been singled by BR in 1968 from Princes Risborough to Aynho Junction (since reinstated by Chiltern Railways). The evocative sounds of these original mechanical multiple units are captured in digital stereo (from high quality analogue original).
Produced by Peter Middleton
Narrated by Philip Hayton
Audio: Dolby Digital Stereo
Picture format: 4:3
Code free PAL
INFO-Programm gemäß § 14 JuSchG
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