Watch Locomotion: Dan Snow's History of Railways

Locomotion: Dan Snow's History of Railways is a fascinating and informative series from the BBC that explores the history of the railway and its impact on the modern world. Hosted by Dan Snow and featuring contributions from historians and engineers, the show takes viewers on a journey through the development of the railway over the centuries, from its origins as a crude system of wooden rails to the sleek and powerful machines of today.

The series is divided into six episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of railway history. In the first episode, Snow takes us back to the birth of the railway in the early 19th century, examining how George Stephenson's Rocket paved the way for the modern locomotive. Episode two explores the role of the railway in connecting cities and nations, while episode three looks at the role of railways in the Industrial Revolution, and the profound impact they had on the economic and social landscape of Britain and beyond.

In episode four, Snow turns his attention to the railway in wartime, examining its role in the transportation of troops, weapons and supplies during conflicts like World War I and II. Episode five explores the modern railway, from high-speed trains to the innovative technology used to keep the tracks and trains running safely and smoothly. Finally, the series concludes with a look at the global impact of the railway, from its role in shaping colonialism in Africa to its influence on international trade and travel.

One of the standout features of Locomotion is the depth of expertise and knowledge on display. Dan Snow is an engaging and knowledgeable host, clearly passionate about the subject matter, and he is joined by a wide range of experts in fields like engineering, history and economics. These contributions help to flesh out the history of the railway, providing both technical detail and social insight.

The show also makes good use of archive footage and reconstructions to illustrate key moments in railway history. Viewers are treated to everything from early models of steam engines to modern bullet trains, and the show does a good job of conveying the scale and power of these machines. The use of computer graphics is particularly effective in illustrating the engineering principles that underpin the railway, helping to make even complex concepts accessible to non-expert viewers.

Another strength of Locomotion is its broad scope. While the show is primarily focused on the history of the railway in Britain, it also explores the global impact of this technology, from the role of American railroads in the Civil War to the construction of railways in Africa and Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries. This approach helps to make the show feel more relevant to a wider audience, and provides context for the modern railway as a global network.

Overall, Locomotion: Dan Snow's History of Railways is an engaging and informative series that should appeal to anyone with an interest in history, engineering or transport. With its combination of expert knowledge, archive footage and computer graphics, the show provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the railway, and its impact on the modern world. Dan Snow's enthusiasm and insight make for an engaging viewing experience, and the variety of perspectives offered by the show's contributors helps to make this a truly multi-faceted exploration of a technology that has transformed the world we live in.