The Train Now Departing - Anthony Smith - BBC Video - Vintage - Pal VHS

The Train Now Departing - Anthony Smith - BBC Video - Vintage - Pal VHS

When the steam locomotive was abandoned in the 60s a piece of history was shut down, but nothing could dampen the fire of the steam enthusiast. About a thousand trains survived the scrap heap: some are in museums, others are back on the lines in pristine condition - a breath of the past and a noisy reminder that the spirit of the steam age lives on.

The most dramatic steam route is over the pennines on the Settle-Carlisle railway. Complete with magnificent viaducts and awesome tunnels hacked through solid rock, it was the last railway to be built by pick and shovel. But this historic line faces an uncertain fature...

On Scotland's West Highland railway engine driver Callum MacRalid is back on the locomotives he loves. We join him as his crowded holiday train is steam-hauled through breathtaking scenery and listen to nostalgic stories of cooking kippers on the coal shovel.

The steam locomotive - universal workhorse of the Industrial Revolution is gone - but not forgotten or unrecorded. Today conservationists are renovating rusting locomotives and rolling stock, while we can watch Ivo Peters' unique archive film of many industrial lines long since closed.

Running time: 87 MINS APPROX