RAILDATE 2023.08.04

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No Raildate next week, back 2023.08.18. Your editor is on holiday - and the computer is also having a well-earned rest ...

UK Rail News

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Midlands

North East

North West

Northern Ireland

Scotland

South East

Wales

West

Yorkshire

National

Rail Industry

International Rail News

Africa

Europe

Hungary

Ireland

Japan

Kenya

Madagascar

South Africa

USA

Other Transport Modes

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Credits

Thank you to this week's contributors.

The Weekly Poser: Where is this?

The map shows railways electrified under various voltages. Blue=3Kv DC, Green=15Kv AC, Red=25Kv AC, Black=Unelectrified. Placenames have been removed, but can you work out which major city is circled in yellow?

Last week's Where is this?

Trams and trolleys abound at this open-air museum, visited earlier this week. Where is it?

Answer: East Anglian Transport Museum, Lowestoft. Congratulations are due to the following for their correct answers: Dave Goodyear, Richard Maund, Bob Joshua, Paul Tambini, Simon Wass, John Gilby, Jenny Sutton, Peter Tisdale.

From the left, we see:

All three vehicles were providing unlimited trips, and there is also a diesel-hauled miniature railway.

I enjoyed the "Tar, Sweat and Steam" display. The story of road building is not widely told - how 100,000 miles of British roads were turned from white to black in a few years 1910-1925.

The museum is not open daily so do check. Website. (It plays music whilst you browse ... Ughh!)

TELEVISION

UK television listings with a transport theme for the next eight days

Click me to open/close [Online only, not in the weekly email]

Abadas -:- Ben has another 'word for the Abadas today - steam train

Abandoned Engineering -:- An eerie, empty country village which hides a sad secret, a mysterious tower battered by the elements and a disused railway deep beneath the streets of a city

Abandoned Engineering -:- A town in West Virginia that fell victim to the pace of change when steam trains became obsolete and an underground complex in Italy that had been abandoned for nearly 2,000 years

Alvinnn!!! and the Chipmunks -:- When Alvin sees every celebrity with their own personal bodyguard, he decides to train Theodore for the job

American Pickers -:- Dani and Robbie check out a property in Arizona with killer steam engines, while Mike and Jersey unearth a vast collection of petroliana in Alabama

American Titans -:- The battle between Cornelius Vanderbilt and his old friend Daniel Drew to run the Erie Railroad

Bargain Hunt -:- Natasha Raskin Sharp presents the show from York, and looks at some of the items in the National Railway Museum's collection. With experts Tim Weeks and Colin Young

Britain and the Sea -:- David Dimbleby investigates the importance of the sea to trade and to the individual livelihoods of coastal communities. He sails along the west coast of Scotland, starting at Craobh Haven and along the Crinan Canal, a waterway designed by East Lothian engineer John Rennie to take 120 miles off the journey from the west coast to Glasgow and safely avoid the turbulent waters around the Mull of Kintyre. He also climbs aboard the last working sea-going Clyde puffer, where he earns his keep shovelling coal in the steam room, and reflects on the role played by the river in both trade and shipbuilding

Britain's Greatest Machines with Chris Barrie -:- Chris Barrie assesses how trains have changed British society since they were invented in the 1820s

Buying Alaska -:- They are moving to Alaska in hopes of becoming champion dog mushers. But to do that, they first need to find a home where they can raise and train their team.

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railway Journeys -:- Chris sets out on a mission to cross three former Soviet republics entirely by rail in just one week, travelling through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and uncovering amazing stories and dark secrets from the region's past. He begins in Narva, Estonia, before heading to the capital Tallinn on the country's oldest railway, built by German nobles to connect the Russian imperial capital St Petersburg with Estonia's ports, then travelling through Latvia and Lithuania and heading to the Russian border on a revolutionary new line

Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railway Journeys -:- The broadcaster travels from the west of Morocco to the east, heading into the desert on a mission to find out whether a railway line once crossed the Sahara all the way to Timbuktu in Mali. He begins in Marrakesh, taking in Casablanca and Fez before visiting a town that he is convinced has been named in his honour

Clean Sweep -:- The investigation continues to build steam in both countries, while Shelly continues to juggle her parenting and other responsibilities. Crime thriller, starring Charlene McKenna

Creed (2015) -:- The son of a heavyweight boxer who died in the ring seeks to follow in the footsteps of the father he never knew. He goes in search of his father's old rival-turned-best friend Rocky Balboa, who agrees to train the young fighter for a shot at the title - but the ageing champ is facing challenges of his own. Boxing drama, starring Michael B Jordan, with Sylvester Stallone reprising his role from the Rocky movies

Criminals: Caught on Camera -:- Journalist Nick Wallis joins police forces around the nation to discover how CCTV is helping to bring criminals using weapons to justice. A CCTV operator's instincts lead him to keep an eye on a man acting suspiciously on a train station platform and who then takes a knife out of his pocket and threatens a woman coming towards him. There is also footage of a raid on a west London jewellery shop, with the gang spraying bleach in the eyes of security guards and smashing down the doors with pickaxes while the terrified staff cower inside

Criminals: Caught on Camera -:- Met Police helicopter India 99 is called to help rescue a woman who jumped into the Thames near the Palace of Westminster, as well as her two daughters, who leapt in after her. Elsewhere, the helicopter team coordinates a risky game of cat-and-mouse as police chase a group of graffiti artists across live train tracks in a patch of industrial wasteland in Battersea. The episode also looks at the case of the Hounslow Slasher, a man who in 2012 randomly attacked lone women while they were travelling home at night. Nick Wallis presents

Dalziel & Pascoe -:- Feature-length episode. Tragedy strikes a leading football club when the team bus is hit by a train and the post-mortem examination reveals it was not an accident. Among the victims is manager Martin Bendelow, whose family has more than its fair share of skeletons in the cupboard, and more secrets are revealed when another murder takes place. Stephen Beckett guest stars, with Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan

Deadliest Catch -:- During an arctic storm, Cornelia Marie's crane comes off the rails causing injury and damaging equipment. However, the accident pales into insignificance when Sig gets a phone call

Digbi Draig -:- Cochyn is ejected from the Train Club by Conyn, and finds an unlikely ally in Glenys

Dragons: Rescue Riders -:- After saving Chief Duggard from a shipwreck, two 10-year-olds and their dragons are invited to stay in the Viking village of Huttsgalor. Animated spin-off from How to Train Your Dragon

Eric Clapton: Planes, Trains and Eric -:- Documentary film following the guitarist on the Far and Middle Eastern legs of his 2014 world tour, featuring interviews, backstage footage and concert performances

Escape to the Country -:- Jules Hudson helps a family with two children to find a home in Devon with a large garden, and discovers an approach to woodcraft that uses steam to sculpt interior design pieces

Euphoria -:- The first of two feature-length specials of the provocative coming-of-age drama. As Rue deals with the aftermath of being left by Jules at the train station and relapsing, she prepares to celebrate Christmas. Starring Zendaya and Hunter Schafer

Europe from Above -:- A spectacular aerial journey across Switzerland reveals Europe's highest observatory, an earthquake-proof skyscraper and a gravity-defying railway

Evasive Action (1998) -:- A prison housing America's deadliest criminals closes, and the inmates are transported by train to a new penitentiary. Among them is a man coming to the end of a sentence for killing his wife's murderer, who realises his travelling companions are hatching an escape plan. Action thriller, starring Dorian Harewood and Roy Scheider

Expedition Bigfoot -:- An abandoned railroad track offers fresh clues about Bigfoot's whereabouts to the team as they push deeper into the forests of Northern California

Four in a Bed -:- The week kicks off at Railway Hotel Apartments in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, where guests spend an afternoon out at Westonbirt Arboretum and experience some heating issues

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- In Lawrence, Kansas, Michael Portillo joins the Jayhawks basketball team in the famous Allen Field house stadium with energetic encouragement from their cheerleaders, before travelling through Tornado Alley to Topeka to meet one of the first storm chasers in America. Driving out on the Great Plains, Michael learns about the Tallgrass Prairie and comes face to face with a herd of wild buffalo

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- In Montreal, Michael Portillo discovers how French and British colonial roots have influenced the city's construction, cuisine and culture. Undaunted by his guidebook's description of the treacherous Lachine Rapids, the one-time MP gets a thorough soaking on a white-knuckle boat ride down the St. Lawrence River. In the Canadian capital, Ottawa, Michael visits the country's parliament to hear about the birth of the new nation after Confederation in 1867. And at Ottawa's historic Central Experimental Farm, Michael hears of the pioneering discoveries, which launched a Canadian wheat boom

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo begins a new journey on the tracks of the Ocean line to explore Canada's maritime provinces, en route to Quebec City. Along the way he dons a kilt and sporran to join in the recreation of an 18th-century Scottish Highland regiment and learns of a catastrophic explosion in Halifax harbour in 1917, which killed 2,000 people and left 25,000 homeless

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo boards one of the world's most famous trains, the Rocky Mountaineer, to cross the backbone of the North American continent from Kamloops to the spa resort of Banff. This magnificent journey takes him to the highest point of the 19th century transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway line at Kicking Horse Pass, past Lake Louise and inside spiral tunnels blasted through the mountains. Along the way, Michael hears of the harsh and dangerous conditions endured by the Chinese and European labourers who built the railway, and looks back at the historic driving of the Last Spike, which completed the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his American rail journey west to Jefferson City, Missouri, following the tracks of European settlers in the 19th century. In St Louis he ascends America's monument to the Wild West, the Gateway Arch, the tallest free-standing monument in the US. On the banks of the Missouri River, the political commentator is invited aboard a replica of the original keel boat used for an historic expedition. In Washington, Missouri, Michael tries to craft a corn cob pipe, and in Jefferson City he finds an huge fortified building that served as the gaol for the entire Wild West

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his journey to Quebec City, beginning by boarding the train from Nova Scotia to New Brunswick. Along the way he investigates the world's biggest tide at Hopewell Rocks and admires its dramatic rock formations and caves. He also appears to defy gravity on a magnetic hill in a 1965 Pontiac Bonneville, before joining the Elsipogtog First Nation to learn about quilting and traditional dress. He also goes fishing for oysters and helps quarry 150-year-old sandstone

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his journey westwards across the United States, discovering the hidden pleasures of 19th-century railroad workers in Sedalia and learning more about the birthplace of ragtime. He then travels to Paola, Kansas, where he auctions livestock and dines on spare ribs, before reaching his destination in St Joseph, Missouri

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his tour of Los Angeles, joining the locals for Mexican Independence Day, and discovering the secrets of backyard oil drilling in a county that is home to the largest urban oil field in the US. Moving on to Laguna Beach, he learns how artists from the east coast travelled west on the Transcontinental Railroad to found a colony of painters attracted by the beautiful coastline and glorious light to paint outside

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues through southern California aboard the Coast Starlight rail service. In the port of Monterey, he discovers the city's Spanish and Mexican heritage, before heading to Paso de Robles, where he tours Hearst Castle, dream home of the newspaper baron, William Randolph Hearst. In the hills of Morro Bay, Michael joins avocado farmer, Jim Shanley, amid his 4,000 avocado trees to harvest the pears and learn how to make guacamole. Arriving in Los Angeles, Michael heads for the Warner Brothers studio, founded on Sunset Boulevard

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo examines the history of the American rail network, using Appleton's General Guide to the United States and Canada of 1879 to plot his course. He begins on Manhattan Island and travels from Grand Central Terminal to the site of Ground Zero

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo explores British Columbia, discovering how two superpowers nearly came to war over a pig and joining the Royal Canadian Navy to firefight on board the frigate HMCS Regina. He also explores the rich British heritage and colonial past of Victoria - the provincial capital of British Columbia - discovers the origins of the Hudson's Bay Company, helps to carve a 36- foot totem pole and learns how to head off a charging bear

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo explores the Province of Quebec, taking the Charlevoix train along the north bank of the St Lawrence River to La Malbaie. Along the way he flies over the Laurentian Mountains in a seaplane, fishes for trout and views the waterfall at Montmorency from a zipwire - and that's just the first half of this leg

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo heads for Plymouth, where he learns about the indigenous tribes of Wampanoag people, before boarding the Cape Cod Central heritage bound for Hyannis. Finally, he makes his way to the island of Nantucket, where he discovers how New Englanders made vast fortunes from whale oil, before heading to join conservationists and whale watchers at sea

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo reaches Colorado, where he follows in the footsteps of 19th-century east coast men who came to experience the cowboy life. At Bent's Old Fort, he is transported back to the Mexican American War of 1848 and finds himself inspecting the troops, before heading out into the spectacular gorge of the Arkansas River aboard the historic narrow gauge Royal Gorge Railroad

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo's rail voyage continues through Connecticut heading north through the scenic New England states. In New Haven, a crash course in rowing takes place on a stretch of water where college teams from Yale and Harvard have battled for victory since 1852. Making tracks north to Vermont, Michael experiences 19th-century rural farm life, when its green pastures made it the butter capital of the world

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels through New Mexico, watching rehearsals at the Santa Fe Opera House and learning about a Lancashire railroad caterer who made his fortune. He then sets off from Albuquerque to pick up Arizona's Grand Canyon Railway as heads off to witness one of the greatest sights on Earth

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- Michael Portillo visits Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, learning how surgery was first made bearable in 1846 by a miraculous new substance. In Salem, he gets a taste of the witch hunts and the hysteria that gripped the town in the 17th century, before visiting the former home of Little Women author Louisa May Alcott in Concord

Great American Railroad Journeys -:- The next leg of Michael Portillo's journey begins in Skagway, Alaska, where he learns about writer Jack London, one of the gold prospectors who hiked to the Klondike 100 years ago. He then crosses into Canada on the White Pass and Yukon railway. Along the way he is invited to shake his tail feathers in a grouse dance, heads for the home of the Vancouver Giants, tries his hand at ice hockey and visits the Canadian Motion Picture Park

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo begins a journey from the Midlands to the West Country, beginning in Derby, where he visits the city's famous 19th-century railway works. In Leicester he looks back to the early 1970s, when around 10,000 Asians arrived in the city after being expelled from Uganda by the dictator Idi Amin. He also hears how meat rationing during the Second World War led to the birth of Walkers crisps, still produced in the city

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his journey around north-west England by celebrating Victorian trade with the Preston Guild, and then heading to Rochdale to learn about a pioneering movement to improve the lives of working families. The presenter also follows in the tracks of many 19th-century industrial employees who made day trips to Hebden Bridge to walk in the Calder Valley

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his journey around north-west England in the elegant resort town of Southport, where the railways provided thousands of holidaymakers with the chance enjoy the fun of the fair. On his journey around some of the region's larger towns, the presenter uncovers the history of Victorian entrepreneurship in Wigan and the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution in Bolton, before heading to smaller Leyland to get behind the wheel of a 100-year-old commercial vehicle

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo continues his journey to Leeds by travelling through Buckinghamshire, meeting one of the Second World War's most secret agents at Bletchley. In Olney, he learns about a poet whose words are still sung today, and explores the first purpose-built railway town at Wolverton. His last stop is Newport Pagnell, where he tackles the ancient craft of vellum-making

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo crosses into West Yorkshire to begin the next leg of his journey, visiting the Worth Valley and the home of the three Bronte sisters, who were early investors in the railway industry. He then heads to Oakworth to find out how its station and tracks were used in one of the most popular films ever made, and in Bradford discovers the ways in which 19th-century workers saved to buy a home. The presenter finishes in Halifax, where he learns how the railways contributed to the town's success

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo embarks on another journey around the nation with a copy of George Bradshaw's Victorian Railway Guidebook to discover how the railways have affected people and what remains of Bradshaw's Britain. He begins by travelling from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, to Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, finding out about the remarkable craftsmen behind the Victorian furniture trade, discovering how George Bradshaw helped save Britain's canal heritage and seeing Shakespeare through the eyes of a 19th-century rail tourist

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo embarks on the first leg of a journey to Leeds, beginning at London's Euston station. He finds out what happened to the once proud Euston Arch and heads to Camden to see how goods were transported by rail, road and canal. He reflects on the Harrow rail disaster of 1952 and visits a country estate in Tring, Hertfordshire, before alighting at Cheddington in Buckinghamshire, which is close to the scene of 1963's Great Train Robbery

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo embarks on the next stage of his journey in which he travels from the naval hub of Portsmouth to Grimsby docks. On the first leg, he helps feed the crew of Britain's newest battleship, discovers how the Victorians planned to repel a possible French invasion and learns there is a well-established industry in an unlikely location

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo ends his journey across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland by walking across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Co Antrim. He then follows in the footsteps of the Victorians at Giant's Causeway, and explores the history of Londonderry

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo explores the rich history of Belfast's Victorian docks, learns about a 150-year-old spade-making tradition and takes a walk along coastal paths of Whitehead, Co Antrim

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo explores the Victorians' fascination with antiquity as he continues his tour of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He visits the cromlech stones of Dundalk, Co Louth, and an observatory in Co Armagh, and travels on the steam railway in Downpatrick, Co Down

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo learns how the railways helped to make Birmingham the pen-making capital of the world, hears the chilling tale of one of 19th-century Britain's most notorious murderers and samples delicacies concocted in a Victorian kitchen at Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels from Dudley in the West Midlands to Bridgnorth, Shropshire. He learns how Victorian blacksmithing was not for the faint-hearted, rides on one of Britain's most modern trains and traverses the Victoria Bridge at Bewdley in Worcestershire

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels from Stoke-on-Trent to Winsford, Cheshire, finding out about one of the greatest locomotive factories in railway history along the way. He also discovers the dark side of the Industrial Revolution and learns how Victorian potteries brought their products to the masses

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels from the Co Meath town of Enfield to the east coast port of Drogheda in Co Louth. He explores the railway network within the Bog of Allen, learns about the Victorian secrets of the Boyne Viaduct, and ventures into underground zinc mines

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels from Victoria station to Abbey Wood in south-east London. Along the way he learns how volunteer Victorian firefighters liked a tipple, discovers that 19th-century sewage pumps were a marvel of design and puts in a shift at the oldest fish market in Britain

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels from Welshpool, Powys, to Aberystwyth in Ceredigion. He experiences Victorian entertainment in one of Wales's best-loved resorts, hears how the railways took the country's textiles into the most exclusive households and unleashes the power of a 19th-century engineering triumph

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo travels from Woking in Surrey to Clapham Junction in south London. Along the way he gets close to some precious Victorian botany at Kew Gardens, tries his hand at croquet and discovers a very surprising 19th-century place of worship

Great British Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo tunes into the music of the mills and collieries of Victorian England by joining a brass band in Honley, West Yorkshire, before stopping off in Holmfirth to learn about a tragedy that led to a tourist boom in the town. The presenter then crosses into Derbyshire to pay homage to railway engineer George Stephenson at his resting place in Chesterfield, before concluding his journey at Chatsworth House, which was one of the first stately homes to welcome visitors by rail

Great British Railway Journeys -:- On the next stage of his journey to Leeds, Michael Portillo sets off in Leicester, where he finds out about the hunt for Richard III's remains. Michael works his passage on the Great Central Railway from Rothley to Loughborough, where he learns about a family that has been casting bells in the town since 1839

Great British Railway Journeys -:- The next part of Michael Portillo's journey from London to Leeds begins in Northampton, where Victorian methods have been used to make shoes for more than 130 years. The ex-politician then heads to Warwickshire, learning about the legacy of Dr Thomas Arnold at Rugby School and finding out how Coventry's craftsmen learned to adapt to survive, before ending this leg of his trip in Nuneaton

Great Coastal Railway Journeys -:- Michael Portillo is in the North Yorkshire seaside resort of Scarborough to explore one of the greatest royal fortresses in England

Griff's Great Australian Adventure -:- Comedian, actor and travel enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones boards the trains of Australia to explore Down Under, covering thousands of miles from surfers' beaches to dusty outback. On the first leg he journeys from Perth to Kalgoorlie on board the Indian Pacific, discovering Western Australia's riches, and asking - what is a sandgroper?

Heir Hunters -:- The probate researchers take on the challenging task of finding the heir to a £200,000 fortune, and unearth the story of a tragic accident on the London, Midland and Scottish Railways in the process. Plus, a surprising family secret is uncovered in a case that took a team almost 20 years to solve

How I Caught the Killer -:- After a badly decomposed body is found in a suitcase by a railway embankment in Exeter, police hunt for the killer with only CCTV evidence to go on

How It's Made -:- Investigating how rock crushers, fabric lampshades, cake sprinkles and steam irons are made

How It's Made -:- The manufacture of golf clubs, waffles, train wheels, and custom wires and cables

How to Train Your Dragon (2010) -:- A clumsy Viking boy longs to become a mighty dragon slayer and protect his village from the fearsome flying lizards, but his father thinks he is not up to the task. However, when he sets out to prove his worth, he ends up befriending a dragon, and realises his people may have misjudged the creatures. Animated fantasy, with the voices of Jay Baruchel and Gerard Butler

Human Desire (1954) -:- Railway worker Carl asks his wife Vicki to seduce his boss to avoid losing his job, but when the time comes, he flies into a jealous rage and kills his employer. Carl threatens to frame Vicki for the murder if she ever leaves him, but she's soon having an affair with one of his colleagues - whom she hopes to persuade to kill her jealous husband. Drama, starring Gloria Grahame, Glenn Ford and Broderick Crawford

James May: The Reassembler -:- In a festive special, James puts together a Hornby Flying Scotsman, his favourite childhood Christmas present, which he was given in 1972 and sent him on to a path of mechanical intrigue and reassembly. Laid out in all its 138 tiny component parts, James lovingly reassembles the train as well as his memories of Christmases and toys past

Japan Railway Journal -:- Tobu Railway has been restoring a steam locomotive to enhance the operation of their popular tourist train - see all the work that was done over three years to restore the old iron horse.

Japan Railway Journal -:- To meet the growing demand for remote work, railway companies are coming up with unique ideas - see some office cars in the shinkansen and convenient working spaces inside station facilities.

Keeping Up Appearances -:- Hyacinth agrees to meet the Ladies' Luncheon Club's VIP at the railway station - but the assignment proves more difficult than imagined. Nigel Davenport guest stars

Kentucky Rifle (1956) -:- A wagon train carrying a shipment of rifles must make a perilous journey through hostile territory occupied by the Comanche Indians, who have their eyes on the guns. Western, starring Chill Wills and Lance Fuller

Killer in My Village -:- When a teenager disappears without trace at a Kent train station, painstaking forensic evidence is used to unmask her killer

Law & Order: UK -:- Georgia Taylor (Coronation Street, Casualty) and Paterson Joseph (Peep Show) join the cast as the crime drama returns for its seventh series. In the first of a two-part story, a suicidal man causes a train crash when he drives onto a railway crossing, killing 15 people. With Jake prosecuting, the man's defence barrister tries to prove his vulnerability and mental illness, but then a twist in the investigation leaves Sam's career hanging in the balance. Starring Bradley Walsh, Dominic Rowan and Paul Nicholls

Law & Order: UK -:- Part two of two. Sam is suspended from duty and decides to spend some time with his son, while Brooks and Leyton make a breakthrough when they discover who was responsible for the train crash and put the culprit under surveillance. Jake and Kate argue over whether it was right to prosecute Finn Tyler in his fragile mental state. Drama, starring Paul Nicholls and Bradley Walsh

Love at First Glance (2017) -:- Mary Landers' hopes of an imminent engagement are dashed when her boyfriend tells her he is looking for someone more adventurous than her. During a train ride home, Mary finds herself exchanging glances with a handsome stranger, who accidentally leaves his phone behind when disembarking. With her ex's words playing on her mind, Mary resolves to throw caution to the wind, and embarks on a mission to return the phone in person. Romantic drama, starring Amy Smart

Medical Detectives -:- A train crash in 1993 on Alabama's Bayou Canot bridge, which killed 47 people

Mega Shippers -:- Kieran struggles to get a 26-tonne train rolling for the first time in 60 years. Plus, Colin has 48 hours to load ten valuable racing yachts

Milkshake! Monkey -:- The monkey finds there is a lot to do when he helps Danny the stationmaster get the steam train ready for the day

Money for Nothing -:- JJ Chalmers is patrolling the forecourt of Wallyford recycling centre in East Lothian, hoping to redirect some metal railings, a tired writing bureau and a collection of marbles

Money for Nothing -:- Sarah Moore rescues a drop-arm sofa, an old chest and a train set from Witley Recycling Centre, enlisting the help of restorer Peter Fournel and upcycler Jacqui Joseph

Murdoch Mysteries -:- Ogden and Murdoch investigate when a fisherman discovers a body, and a clue leads them to a presentation for a high-speed underwater tube train linking New York and London

Nate Is Late -:- Nate and Malika are offered a free ride on a ghost train which turns out to be a cover to train young monsters

Nate Is Late -:- Nate and Malika meet Jin, a ninja who offers to train them. In order to become a master, he needs to prove he has students. Curious to see a real secret dojo, the kids agree.

Oli Wyn -:- How the funicular railway in Aberystwyth works

Oli Wyn -:- The crew prepares the train for its next trip

Our Lives -:- Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa, is the most popular mountain in Britain, attracting three-quarters of a million visitors each year - and it only getting busier. This documentary follows the work that goes in to keeping the tourists happy, including the maintenance of the five-mile mountain railway, which not only carries visitors but also supplies to the shop and cafe and even water and waste to and from the toilets. Meanwhile, wardens patrol the mountain to ensure the safety of walkers, and volunteers spends their weekends collecting tons of discarded rubbish

Pablo -:- The old steam engines are a bit sad until Pablo takes them out for a ride on his special tracks

Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs -:- The comedian helps train Teddy, a blind cairn terrier who needs to learn basic commands to increase her chances of finding a new owner. He also meets posh pooch Luke, a rough collie who is used to the finer things in life after being spoilt in his previous home, and exhausted new mum Fifi is taken to be spayed. Having at least 10 puppies by the age of two has taken a physical toll on her, but there's a more worrying discovery in the operating theatre

Peppa Pig -:- Grandpa Pig builds a train called Gertrude and takes George and Peppa for a ride

Peppa Pig -:- Madame Gazelle takes Peppa and her friends on a train ride, where they must tick off what they see on their activity sheets

Rat Race (2001) -:- A casino magnate approaches a group of no-hopers with the offer of $2million to whoever retrieves the sum from a locker in a train station in New Mexico, prompting a madcap cross-continent dash. Meanwhile, the casino owner's high-rolling gambler friends place bets on which of the bumbling contestants will win. Comedy, with Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Kathy Bates, Seth Green and Cuba Gooding Jr

Rio Lobo (1970) -:- A former Union Army colonel heads for Texas to recover a shipment of gold bullion stolen from a payroll train during the American Civil War. Along the way, he searches for a pair of traitors he holds responsible for a defeat suffered by his unit, which led to the loss of a close friend. Howard Hawks' Western, starring John Wayne, Jorge Rivero, Christopher Mitchum, Jack Elam, Jennifer O'Neill and Mike Henry

Salvage Hunters -:- Drew Pritchard barters with a baronet and is given a run for his money by a seasoned scavenger. He also seeks a way to profit from a collection of late 19th-century balconet rails he has acquired

Salvage Hunters -:- Drew Pritchard heads to Scotland to see a Victorian theatre in Aberdeen and the remote town of Rothes. Plus, sidekick Tee shows him how to do a deal at a steam railway in Devon

Salvage Hunters -:- Drew Pritchard meets an Oxfordshire aristocrat who owns his own steam train, and picks up an American sign and a Victorian oil lamp

Salvage Hunters -:- Modern day treasure hunter Drew Pritchard visits a heritage railway in Minehead, Somerset, where he finds a fantastic selection of pieces. The highlight of the trip is a ride in the cab of a vintage steam train

Salvage Hunters: The Restorers -:- The artisan restorers behind Drew Pritchard's antiques empire save an iconic Eames lounge chair. They also revive an unusual 90-year old oil lamp and a glamourous steam trunk

Salvage Hunters: The Restorers -:- Upholster Craig and sculptor Nick team up to restore some iconic Arne Jacobsen chairs. Plus, mechanic Bo uncovers a hidden past in a giant railway station clock

Say Yes to the Dress: UK -:- Laura wants a frock to rock with her favourite leather jacket, and steam punk bride Julia needs a dress she can wear to the ceremony on a motorbike

Scrapheap Challenge -:- Robert Llewellyn presents from the Great Dorset Steam Fair as 16 teams showcase their 'welly wangers'. They compete to see whose device can throw a Wellington boot the farthest with the most accuracy. Taking on the reigning champions is the house team - Scrapheap All Stars

Seconds from Disaster -:- The 1988 crash of a train into a crowded Paris station platform. Minutes before the disaster the driver sent a warning that stated the locomotive was out of control. The programme investigates the reasons behind the malfunction

Secrets of the London Underground -:- Siddy Holloway and Tim Dunn visit West Ashfield, a fully fitted fake Underground station found on the third floor of a Kensington office block and used to train new employees

SpeakGaelic -:- Calum Maclean visits an artistic and poetic railway tunnel in Colinton, Edinburgh, and Joy Dunlop guides viewers through the first steps of speaking Gaelic

Supertato -:- Evil Pea pretends to help Supertato and Carrot train for crime prevention, but she tricks them and steals a mobile phone

Susan Calman's Grand Week by the Sea -:- In Bournemouth, Susan takes a ride on the land train along the seven-mile stretch of sandy beach. She then heads to the lower gardens joining other holidaymakers to listen to the band playing in the historic Pine Walk Bandstand. Along the coast, she boards the ferry to Mudeford which boasts some of the best beach huts in the region. She also meets Gareth Malone for a game of Jenga

Taskmaster -:- Greg Davies sets more tasks for comedians including Frank Skinner. He takes a boulder onto a train for a pleasant excursion. Then he, Roisin Conaty, Tim Key, Romesh Ranganathan and Josh Widdicombe try to make a Swedish man blush

Tata and Kuma -:- Madcap animated comedy. Pobi goes on a trip to a vampire meeting held every 1000 years and decides to train a successor to take care of his tomatoes when he's not home - the candidates are Tata and Kuma, regardless of what they want to do. After a brief training session with Pobi, the duo settle into their duties.

The Big Bang Theory -:- Leonard and Howard attempt to distract Sheldon with a trip to a historic railway when he slows the progress of their work on the Air Force guidance system. Raj and Stuart look after baby Halley, while Penny and Amy take Bernadette out

The Big Snow of '82 -:- News archive, home movies and interviews with celebrities are combined to look back at the extreme weather that hit Britain in December and January 40 years ago. Stories covered include a deadly train crash caused by a blizzard, as well as the Penlee lifeboat disaster, daring motorway rescues and RAF helicopters delivering lifesaving parcels to stranded Highlanders

The Black Shield of Falworth (1954) -:- The son of a disgraced medieval nobleman is raised in poverty. With the support of a kindly earl, he gains the chance to train as a knight and reclaim his birthright, proving his worth by fighting to foil a plot to overthrow the king. Swashbuckling adventure, starring Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, David Farrar and Barbara Rush

The Flying Scotsman -:- During its lifetime, the Flying Scotsman has broken records, travelled the world, starred in a movie and even bankrupted its owners. Engineer Rob Bell presents the first of a two-part documentary charting the history of the world's most famous steam locomotive, looking at why has it inspired such affection among steam fans and still attracts huge crowds wherever it goes

The Flying Scotsman -:- Rob Bell concludes the story of the world's most famous steam locomotive, revealing how enthusiast Alan Pegler saved it when British Railways announced plans to scrap it in 1962, and took an opportunity to take it to the United States in 1969. Three owners later, it was finally bought at auction by the National Railway Museum, who realised it needed a significant overhaul

The Gilded Age -:- An unfortunate development finds George's new rail station under threat, and Marian continues to see Mr Raikes despite Agnes' warnings

The Protectors -:- Harry finds himself chatting to a poetic fellow traveller while on a train from Edinburgh, completely unaware his companion is an assassin

The Repair Shop -:- Stained glass expert Matthew Nickels pieces together a damaged glass picture window depicting a colourful boat at sea. Made by the owner's late father, it has a great deal of sentimental value. Meanwhile, leather expert Suzie Fletcher turns her attention to three iconic leather sling back Les Arcs chairs desperately in need of some love and attention to make them usable again. Plus, Steve Fletcher brings a German-made toy steam roller from the 1930s back to life

The Simpsons -:- Bart tries to train Santa's Little Helper, whose destructive behaviour has left Homer at the end of his tether. With the guest voice of Tracey Ullman, whose own TV programme originally showcased the animated family

The Yorkshire Auction House -:- A huge haul of silver leaves Angus Ashworth speechless and raises a staggering amount at auction, while later Angus helps Susan clear a huge collection of railway memorabilia

This Country -:- Kerry and Kurtan visit the local train station to welcome Reverend Seaton home from a trip to Bristol. In the vicar's absence, the cousins have been handling lots of village administration for him, with Kerry mucking in by looking after the parish chickens and Kurtan manning the phone as the point of contact in case of emergencies. Bafta-winning spoof documentary exploring modern life in a Cotswold village, written by and starring siblings Daisy May and Charlie Cooper, with Paul Chahidi

Top Gear -:- Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May compete in a 1950s-style race from London to Edinburgh. On the footplate of the A1 Tornado steam train, Jeremy has to feed the boiler with a constant supply of coal, while Richard braves the saddle of a Vincent Black Shadow motorbike and James drives an old Jaguar XK120 as the trio discover what Top Gear might have been like 60 years ago. Michael Schumacher drives the Reasonably Priced Car

Train Cruise -:- Journey from Gunma - located northwest of Tokyo - through Niigata and marvel at the colours of early summer. Blue seas, verdant mountains, vibrant sculptures, pastel candies... find your favourite!

Train to Busan (2016) -:- Hedge-fund manager Seok-woo sets off on a train journey with his small daughter, but as their train is about to leave the station a very sick passenger stumbles aboard - affected by a chemical spill that turns creatures and people into zombies. The virus spreads fast from carriage to carriage, and Seok-woo must join with other unaffected passengers and fight to save his own life and that of his child. South Korean horror, starring Yoo Gong and Yu-mi Jung. In Korean and Hawaiian

Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula (2020) -:- Four years after the outbreak, military man Jung-seok is living in despair in Hong Kong. He is offered a chance at redemption - and a sizable payday - by undertaking a dangerous mission: to retrieve an abandoned truck in the middle of Seoul and drive it to the docks where a boat will be waiting. Thriller, starring Gang Dong-won, lee Jung-hyun and Kwon Hae-hyo

Train Truckers -:- Documentary following the exploits of a family-run crew of heavy-haulage specialists as they transport the heaviest, longest and most precious locomotives around the world. Terry and Jason have been called in to move legendary steam locomotive Britannia. The 68-year-old vehicle has undergone a major restoration in Crewe and is scheduled to start running at the Severn Valley Railway

UFC: The Ultimate Fighter -:- This documentary series follows MMA fighters as they train and compete against each other for a contract with the UFC

Ultimate Movers -:- A 32-metre long beer tank must navigate tiny roads to be installed at a brewery in Tadcaster, while in Kidderminster, a vintage steam train travels hundreds of miles south to Devon

Undercover Boss Australia -:- Tony Braxton-Smith, CEO of Australia's Great Southern Rail, embarks on a secret mission to experience the day-to-day tasks of his employees. Going undercover on board one of his trains, the executive is asked to clean on-board toilets, serve first-class passengers and unload luggage. He is also given a chance to meet some of the inspirational people he employs

Walking Britain's Lost Railways -:- Rob Bell explores more abandoned rail routes, beginning with one that cut an outrageous path through the dramatic hills and gorges of the Peak District - part of the 1860s express route between London and Manchester. From Matlock to the spa town splendour of Buxton, Rob unearths a tale of Victorian ambition, as he travels along a route filled with great engineering, which is now a beloved part of the Peak District National Park

Walking Britain's Lost Railways -:- Rob Bell heads to the industrial heartlands of north-east England, beginning on Wearside, where he learns about the world's first railway designed for steam locomotives. Rob also visits the 'living' museum at Beamish and rides a railway from George Stephenson's day, following an old line into Hartlepool, where a medieval port was turned into a mega-centre of coal, rail and shipping in just one generation

Walks Around Britain -:- Andrew White treks up The Great Orme in North Wales and beside a railway in West Yorkshire

Wild West Chronicles -:- Butch and Sundance are gone, so Bat Masterson asks Sundance's girlfriend to relive the events from one of the West's greatest train robberies

World's Greatest Train Journeys from Above -:- The Ghan, Australia's most luxurious train, crosses an entire continent from Adelaide on the southern coast to the tropical landscape of Darwin in the north. On its two-day journey, it faces intense heat, the risk of collisions with wild animals and the threat of increasingly extreme weather events. An army of engineers must work around the clock to maintain The Ghan and its 3,000 km of track

World's Greatest Train Journeys from Above -:- This episode follows the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a steeply graded narrow-gauge line connecting the plains of New Jalpaiguri in eastern India to the foothills of the Himalayas in Darjeeling. Led by a century-old steam loco, it is filmed from above as it conquers the world's tallest mountain range.

SMALL PRINT

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©  Matthew Shaw 2023