Watch God's Wonderful Railway

God's Wonderful Railway is a top-notch British children's period drama television series that aired on BBC1 in the 1980s. It is a classic show that blends historical accuracy, human stories, and the ever-present romance of railways into a watchable saga spanning several generations. The title of the show stems from a popular saying from the era of steam railways - 'God's Wonderful Railway' - referring to the Great Western Railway (GWR).

The seven-episode series, created and written by Avril Rowlands, is placed largely within the backdrop of the construction and development of the Great Western Railway in the United Kingdom. God's Wonderful Railway presents the audience with a fascinating insight into the upheaval, challenges, engineering feats, and societal changes that occurred during the railway age. The show intertwines fact and fiction, serving both as a narrative drama and an education about a significant period in British transportation history.

The storytelling of God's Wonderful Railway is broken down into three separate but interconnected stories. Each story unfolds in a different time period and showcases a variety of characters related to the railway and its evolution. The lives of these characters are deeply intertwined with the railway, either through their jobs or their personal lives.

The first segment, titled 'Clear Ahead', set in the 1830s, explores the early days of railway building. The story centres around the life of an engineer's apprentice named Robert. The viewers get to witness the inception stages of the railway, the hard labour, various difficulties encountered, and the ultimate fruitful realization of an ambitious dream.

The second part, 'Fire on the Line', shifts to the 1840s-1870s and focuses on the character of Miriam, who proudly takes up the role of a fire-lighter after her father's tragic accident. It provides a deep delve into an era wherein the raw power of steam begins to redefine human transportation and communication.

Lastly, 'The Permanent Way', set in the 20th century during World War II, tells the story of the youthful Charlie, a passionate railway enthusiast working as a booking clerk. It is during this time period, with the war on the forefront, we see how the railways played a vital role in transport and communication during these troubled times.

Throughout God's Wonderful Railway, the railway itself serves as a mighty, almost divine entity impacting these characters' lives in magnificent and meaningful ways. The characters' trials and tribulations, their joys and sorrows, all under the shadow of the massive iron giant, provide a poignant narrative. The finely layered storytelling and the creators' attention to historical detail help honour the spirit of the eras portrayed. The sets and costumes do great justice to different periods, giving audiences an authentic picture of these versatile era landscapes.

The show is further enhanced by the impressive cast and their performances. Be it the young actors showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of youth or seasoned actors transforming themselves into the backbone of the railway lines; each one is integral in bringing the story to life.

Moreover, God's Wonderful Railway does not shy away from presenting the more serious themes associated with railway construction and its impact on the society of those times. It addresses the challenging work conditions, the social displacement caused by the massive construction, worker exploitation, and even touches the darker aspect of child labour. It thus educates the younger audience about not just the marvel of engineering but also a historically accurate depiction of social realities.

Accompanied by a compelling soundtrack, God's Wonderful Railway is a show set to enthrall audiences, young and old alike. It not only offers a nostalgic journey back in time for some but also is an exciting educational tool for younger viewers about the rich history of railway development in the United Kingdom. Overall, God's Wonderful Railway is a beautifully told story of ambition, human spirit, resilience, and the wonderful world of railways.