GWR - 1835 FROM PADDINGTON.

A film celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Great Western Railway, hosted by Mastermind Christopher Hughes (now regularly appearing on the quiz programme 'Egg Heads'). In his inimitable way, he tells the story of the brainchild of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel from its conception in 1835 to the present day. The film received enthusiastic revues when it was first shown and remains a must-see for all railway enthusiasts. There is a short intermission in the middle which originally allowed for a commercial break, please be patient as the second half does follow shortly. Enjoy!

[@DiD86]

I’ve been looking for this for years! Thank you!

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Thank you for posting. Greetings from a plane, train and petrol head from Norway! Btw we got our start in 1854 with a great help from the UK.

[@uries15]

I had this on Betamax and watched it probably until the tape wore out. You cannot believe the pleasure it gives me to see it again. And again and again, just like I did 36 years ago.

[@earwise]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I wrote, directed and produced the film for TVS in Maidstone. It received an ITV Network transmission thanks to Thames Television. The film was a labour of love. I was of an age when I had experienced steam locos first hand. I chose Chris Hughes to present the film because of his encyclopaedic knowledge of all things railway. He turned out to be a natural. Sadly, we were not able to interest TV companies in further, railway related, projects. Of course, he continues to get plenty of exposure on Eggheads. Several of my films are on TH-cam. I continue to be amazed by the number of ‘hits’ that I get (anything between 50,000 and 81,000 ). Thank you again for your interest.

[@uries15]

@@earwise I was 14 when this was broadcast, then a decade later I was fortunate enough to join the staff of the National Railway Museum. While I was there I completed an MA in Railway Studies at the University of York. The insights into railway history shown in your film inspired me both professionaly and academically.

[@eliotreader8220]

the part where the driver let the young lad put a bit of coal on the fire to keep it going
reminds me of the time when I put some on the fire of the steam engine down at my local steam railway back in 2004.

[@robnewman6101]

I have a Hardback Book called The Railway Policeman.
The Story of the Constable on the Track.
By J. R. WHITBREAD.

[@paulkelly-cy9hl]

great

[@robnewman6101]

I have a Hardback DORLING KINDERSLEY DK EYEWITNESS GUIDES Book of TRAIN.
Discover the story of railways - from the days of steam to the high - speed, sophisticated trains of today.
In association with THE NATIONAL RAILWAY MUSEUM.