Watch Britain's Railways Then & Now

Britain's Railways Then & Now is a fascinating look at the history of the British railway system, from its earliest days to the present day. Produced by Total Content Digital, this series takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring how the railways have shaped the country and the people who have used them.

The show is presented by a team of experts who have a deep knowledge and passion for the subject matter. Each episode focuses on a particular era in the history of the railways, from the pioneering days of steam to the modern era of high-speed trains and electrification.

The first episode sets the scene by exploring the birth of the railway system in Britain. The programme explains how the steam locomotive was developed in the early 19th century, and how this revolutionary technology transformed the country's transport infrastructure. Viewers learn about the early railways that were built to transport goods, and how these quickly evolved into passenger services as well.

The series then moves on to explore the impact of the railways on society, looking at how they enabled mass transit for the first time and transformed the way people lived and worked. The show examines the growth of the railway industry and the impact it had on the economy, as well as the engineering challenges faced in building and maintaining the vast network of tracks and trains.

As the series progresses, viewers are taken on a journey through time as the railways change and develop. Episodes focus on key periods in railway history, such as the heyday of steam in the mid-20th century, and the modernisation and electrification of the network in the latter half of the century.

Throughout, the show features interviews with experts who provide insights into the technology and engineering behind the railway system, as well as stories from those who worked on the railways over the years. The programme also includes archive footage and photographs, which bring the history of the railways to life in a vivid and engaging way.

One of the standout episodes of the series is the exploration of the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, which saw the closure of many railway lines across the country. The programme examines the reasons behind these cuts and the impact they had on local communities, and features interviews with campaigners who fought to save their local lines.

The final episodes of the series focus on the present day, looking at how the railway system has evolved and adapted to meet modern needs. Viewers learn about the advances in technology that have made high-speed trains and electronic signalling possible, and see how the railway system is now an integral part of the country's transport infrastructure.

Overall, Britain's Railways Then & Now is a fascinating and informative series that offers a detailed insight into the history of the British railway system. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or simply curious about this important part of the country's past and present, this show is a must-watch.

Britain's Railways Then & Now is a series that ran for 1 seasons (20 episodes) between November 15, 2010 and on Total Content Digital