Wired for Sound Cab Ride Series

Ref: LP521D

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Ever since we produced our first cab ride programme in 1994, our cameras have filmed around fifty subsequent journeys. For a variety of reasons, not all of them have seen the light of day but among the countless hours of tape lying on the cutting room floor is some really interesting, unusual and – in many cases - historical footage. This programme comprises six mini cab rides featuring rural branch lines and busy main lines. All six were filmed on different types of traction - ranging from a 1961-built Class 20 and a 1984-built Class 58 to a modern high-speed Virgin Pendolino. The cab rides were filmed between 2001 and 2017.

HOLYHEAD-BANGOR on 57309: Filmed during the period when Virgin Class 57s were diagrammed for a daily Pendolino drag between Crewe and Holyhead, this sequence features the 25 miles of route in North Wales from Holy Island across Anglesey and onto the mainland. It is a section of route that has plenty of interest - semaphore signals, jointed track, request stops, Britain’s longest station name...and the Britannia Bridge over the Menai Straits.

HOPE CEMENT WORKS-EARLES SIDINGS on 20056: This rural backwater in Derbyshire, which connects Hope Cement Works to the Hope Valley Line, is virtually hidden from view. A single Class 20 over the 1.5 mile branch line compliments the surroundings. On this occasion it was an unsilenced 20056 that was on the trip duties rather than the usual silenced Class 20.

ACTON WELLS-WEMBLEY YARD on 58025: A short cut from the North London Line to Wembley Yard. The maze of trackwork starts at Acton Wells Junction and the short journey continues via Acton Canal Wharf, the quirky single-track Up & Down Acton Branch, the Willesden Relief Line and the High Level Goods Line which leads into the busy Wembley Yard.

KILMARNOCK-BARRHEAD on 55022: Deltic Royal Scots Grey tackles the seven-mile climb from Kilmarnock to the summit at Dunlop, hauling a refurbished EMU to Yoker. This rural journey features the impressive collection of semaphore signals at Lugton and some fine scenery. This was filmed during the brief period when some of these workings travelled via Barrhead before being re-routed via Killwinning and Barassie - as covered in our full length ‘Taking Stock’ programme.

EUSTON-WATFORD JUNCTION on Virgin Pendolino 390126: After leaving Euston on ‘Line X’ and climbing Camden bank, the WCML runs alongside the busy Watford DC Lines, past Willesden Junction and Wembley Yard. North of Bushey the Pendolino tilts at an impressive 110mph before passing through Watford Junction. This is a view of this fascinating route from the Down Fast Line and compliments that of the Up Slow Line as featured in our ‘GBAC’ programme.

READING-BASINGSTOKE on 66082: This journey starts on the western approaches to the newly-remodelled Reading. After passing under the new Reading Viaduct onto the remodelled Reading West curve, this DB Cargo intermodal service briefly joins the Berks & Hants route to pass through Reading West station. At Southcote Junction the train takes the former GWR?route through Mortimer and Bramley before joining the South Western Main Line at Basingstoke.

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First published on DVD: June 2018
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 110-mins (1hr 50min)

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Ref: LP378D

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The Portsmouth Direct Line between Havant and Guildford has seen little in the way of locomotives since it was electrified in 1937. Thus, for many years this scenic and steeply-graded route attracted little attention until Virgin CrossCountry introduced Class 47s onto its 14.35 Portsmouth Harbour to Blackpool North service in the summer of 1999. This Wired for Sound cab ride, filmed from the footplate of 47827, features not only that delightful route but also the North Downs line between Guildford and Reading – another line rare for locomotives. Not only was this programme during the brief period when Class 47s were standing in for HST’s on this CrossCountry service, but also before the trains began terminating at Portsmouth & Southsea because of weight restrictions on the harbours wooden pier.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2010

Running time: 100-mins

After leaving the harbour terminus, the 1M32 calls at the nearby stations of Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton before joining the south coast route at Farlington Junction for the run to Havant. From there, the train heads north over the Portsmouth Direct Route where it passes various slam door EMU’s and Class 442 ‘Wessex’ units. The first task for the Sulzer 47 is to climb the eight miles of the scenic South Downs through Rowlands Castle to Buriton summit, the last two miles of which are at a gradient of 1 in 80. After descending to Petersfield, there then follows another climb – this time for 13 miles over the western Weald through Liss and Liphook to Haslemere. This includes a standing start on a gradient of 1 in 101 at Haslemere station. 47 827 then descends to Guildford and its two tunnels under the North Downs. From there, the 1M32 takes the North Downs route to Reading, where the taxing two mile 1 in 100 climb out of Guildford is made all the more difficult when the train is brought to an unscheduled stand by a track circuit failure half way up the bank! The journey continues across Surrey Heath through Ash Vale, North Camp, Sandhurst and Wokingham to Reading where it takes the ‘Reading Spur’ to connect with the Great Western Main Line.

Filmed over a decade ago, this programme is now a truly nostalgic experience…no more Virgin CrossCountry, no more slam door EMU’s, and no more loco-hauled passenger trains to Portsmouth Harbour or over the Portsmouth Direct Line.

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: LP532D

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Our second AC electric cab ride was filmed back in the summer of 2015 on board Freightliner’s 4M87 Felixstowe to Trafford Park service.

This volume covers the 76-mile journey between Ipswich Yard and Wembley and represents our first programme to feature a Class 90. The route is a southbound run along the Anglian Main Line to Stratford and then along the modernised North London Line to Camden Road.

From there the 4M87 takes the short freight only chord past the redundant platforms of the former Primrose Hill station before joining the West Coast Main Line at Camden Junction.

The final five miles are along the Down Slow Line past Queen’s Park station and Willesden TMD before accessing the High Level Goods Line which runs alongside Willesden Royal Mail Terminal.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Narrated by: Dave Maxey
First published on DVD: Summer 2020
Screen aspect ratio: 16:0 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Origination: Digital DV

Running Time: 110-mins (1hr 50min)

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Ref: LP504D

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Between May 2013 and November 2014, Deltic locomotive 55 022 Royal Scots Grey was used by GB Railfreight on a series of EMU stock moves between Scotrail’s Yoker depot in Glasgow and the Brodie Engineering workshops at Kilmarnock. Thanks to the co-operation of GBRf and Beaver Sports (the locos owner), we were able to travel on board the Deltic-hauled 6V53 in October 2014 which conveyed the 40th and final Class 334 unit for refurbishment. The first stage of the journey is a circuitous and complex trip around Glasgow, from north of the River Clyde to south of the river. After setting off from Yoker depot, the Deltic heads along the Argyle Line through Partick to Finnieston West Junction. Here, we descend under the city on the Low Level Lines via Anderston, Glasgow Central and Argyle Street.

This three-mile section of the journey has to be one of the most bizarre cab sequences we have ever filmed. It includes an exhilarating standing start from Exhibition Centre as the 6V53 waits for the train ahead to clear the underground section, so the Deltic can get a clear run without setting off any of the station’s smoke alarms!

After emerging at Dalmarnock, we cross the Clyde just before Rutherglen North Junction where we take the short non-passenger carrying spur to Rutherglen West Junction. We then briefly head along the West Coast Main Line past Polmadie depot to Larkfield Junction, Terminus Junction and Shields Junction. From there we join the busy ‘Paisley Corridor’ section of the Ayr Line where 55 022 performs an overtaking manoeuvre on a passenger service. Full power is applied under the majestic glass roof of Paisley Gilmour Street station before continuing through Milliken Park and Dalry to Kilwinning. There, we bear left and head through Irvine to Barassie. Royal Scots Grey runs round its train in Barassie yard before continuing over the delightful single-track route through Gatehead to Kilmarnock. After reversing the EMU into the Brodie yard, 55 022 performs a series of shunting moves prior to departing with a refurbished 334 Scotrail EMU. The programme was filmed on a fine autumn afternoon, and as a bonus, the Class 55 was ‘Wired for Sound’ to fully capture the unique Napier sound. The post-BR career of 55 022 has been truly remarkable and this programme is a record of yet another chapter in the locomotive’s long and distinguished history.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2014

Running time: 100-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: LP458D

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A 'Wired for Sound' programme over one of Britain's most scenic routes - the Settle-Carlisle - plus the Aire Valley route!.

After departing from Carlisle station, the train heads for Petteril Bridge Junction which marks the start of the S&C. From here it’s uphill for virtually all of the 48 miles to Ais Gill summit as the line climbs through Langwathby, Appleby and Kirkby Stephen. The S&C is famous not only for its outstanding scenery but also its railway infrastructure and the route is dotted with tunnels and viaducts as it weaves its way across the Pennine Fells. Engineering masterpieces from the 19th century include the viaducts at Dandry Mire, Arten Gill and Ribblehead and the tunnels at Rise Hill and Blea Moor. Manual signal boxes and semaphore signals have survived the passage of time and the line still retains a number of delightfully antiquated stations. The spectacular views are accompanied by the magical sound of an English Electric Class 37 as it tackles the challenging gradients of the ‘long drag’. After Settle Junction, the 1E23 continues south via Hellifield and Gargrave to Skipton from where there’s some spirited running ‘under the wires’, through Keighley and Bingley along the scenic Aire Valley route to the trains destination at Leeds City station.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2005

Running time: 120-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: LP447D

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To mark the 15th anniversary of the running of the ’50 Terminator’ railtour (and the end of class 50 operation on BR), we re-released the programme of the same name on DVD. This was our very first ‘Wired for Sound’ cab ride, and such was its popularity that it started a whole series of programmes! This digitally re-mastered version on DVD is almost double the length of the original programme, and comes with a new introduction and narration from Plymouth’s former Area Fleet Manager Geoff Hudson.

The 600-mile journey with 50 007 Sir Edward Elgar and 50 050 Fearless traveled over some long-standing routes of the class. Following the departure from Waterloo, the tour heads through the busy London suburbs to Woking and Basingstoke. At Worting Junction it takes the route to Salisbury. From there it then travels via Yeovil and Honiton to Exeter, a route that features some excellent thrash from the 50s on the climbs to Buckhorn Weston and Honiton tunnels. Not to mention a near standing start from the disused Seaton Junction station. From Exeter the journey continues over the tortuous south Devon banks (on one engine!) to Plymouth. After crossing the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall, the two 50s then tackle the challenging climbs to Doublebois, Burngullow and Redruth. Remarkably, arrival at Penzance is 3 minutes early. The farewell tour culminated with a run from Penzance to London Paddington, the highlight of which was the rousing assault on Largin Bank to the summit at Doublebois. Just before midnight, amidst a fanfare of horns, the two 50s arrived at Paddington to be greeted by a large crowd who were there to witness another piece of railway history.

This programme has just about everything – challenging gradients, serious thrash, fine scenery, plenty of sunshine, and perfectly captures the day’s historic events as hundreds of people turned out to witness the last Class 50 hauled train on BR. And you can see and hear it all from the best seat on the train!

Narrated by: Geoff Hudson, BR Area Manager, Plymouth.

First published: 1994 VHS, 20xx DVD

Running time: 115-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: LP394D

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The second in our re-mastered series of re-releases on DVD features a cab ride aboard one of the Mirrlees-powered Class 37/9s on a journey through the most easterly valley of South Wales. The 18-mile branch line from Park Junction to Ebbw Vale (which has since closed) is one of the most scenic routes in the region and boasts a series of taxing gradients. What better way to enjoy this challenging route than on a loaded steel train from Llanwern with traction provided by 37901 Mirrlees Pioneer!

The four Mirrlees-engined Class 37/9s are renowned for their ‘sewing machine’ quietness - no noise, no thrash. But this is a 37/9 as you’ve never heard it before - running on full bore with its exhaust silencer removed! Give it a heavy load and a challenging route, and this machine becomes the perfect candidate for a "Wired for Sound" extravaganza! The results are spectacular as the heavy-weight 37 struggles to haul its 913-tonne load up the valley on a glorious summer morning in September 1997.

37901 sets off from Llanwern with the 6B09 to Ebbw Vale on a 22-mile journey which takes a staggering 95 minutes! After easing out of British Steel’s Llanwern complex and passing through Newport, the train diverges from the South Wales main line at Gaer Junction. From there, the route is seriously uphill all the way. Lime Kiln Junction marks the start of the 8-mile section to Aberbeeg which has now been singled. The last five miles from Aberbeeg boasts a gradient of 1 in 80, on which the train travels no faster than 12 mph - despite a wide - open power handle! The journey ends at the Stop Board at Ebbw Vale, where the loco has to re-start on a gradient of 1 in 75.

Climb aboard the footplate of Mirrlees Pioneer for an audio experience that has to be heard to be believed!

BONUS FEATURE - RUSTON AWAY

A previously unreleased ‘Wired for Sound’ cab ride on board Ruston-engined 37 906 when it visited the Mid Hants Railway diesel gala in March 2000. This exceptionally LOUD locomotive is featured on the uphill climbs from Alresford to Ropley and Four Marks and also from Alton up to Four Marks. Like its companion loco in the programme, 37 906 is also minus its exhaust silencer. You have been warned!

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 1998 VHS, 2006 DVD remaster

Running time: 110-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: LP413D

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On Saturday, 16th September 2000, Class 50s D431 & D449 arrived at Glasgow Central with Pathfinder’s ‘Celtic Hoovers’ railtour on a journey that had brought the two locomotives back to their former London Midland haunts. This WIRED FOR SOUND cab-ride features the return run along the West Coast Main Line on a 243-mile journey from Glasgow Central to Crewe. With a respectable load of 13 coaches in tow, the two ‘Vacs’ set about recreating a piece of railway history on a route that is as challenging as it is nostalgic.

The departure from Glasgow Central is accompanied by a fanfare of horns and that’s followed by a storming run past Polmadie depot. After that, the 50 thrash begins in earnest! A standing start at Motherwell makes for a rousing climb to Craigenhill summit and the ensuing climb up Beattock. South of Carlisle there’s the arduous 30-mile slog up Shap before the big drop to Tebay makes for an exhilarating run through the picturesque Lune Gorge. After a short climb to Grayrigg there’s another spirited downhill run through Oxenholme. A standing start at Carnforth provides an entertaining run past Hest Bank and that’s followed by another impressive climb from Lancaster up Ripley Bank. South of Preston there’s a taxing run from Balshaw Lane up to Coppull Moor summit. Wigan is then ‘thrashed’ from a standing start, after which the train passes lines of withdrawn locos littering EWS’ Component & Recovery Centre at Springs Branch.

The rooftops of the former Vulcan Foundry are glimpsed at Golborne. That’s followed by Winwick Junction after which the ‘Vacs’ blast their way through Warrington before pounding across the bridges of the Mersey and the Weaver. Appropriately, the train is finally checked at Weaver Junction, which in the late-sixties and early-seventies, marked the northerly point of the route’s electrification. The programme concludes with an atmospheric arrival at the loco’s spiritual home - Crewe. To reinforce the nostalgia factor, both locos were transformed into original BR blue livery for this trip, thus turning the clock back 25 years to the days when Class 50s ruled the West Coast route between Glasgow and Crewe.

Like many of these re-releases on DVD, this programme has been be digitally re-mastered, and contains approximately an extra 25 minutes of footage that was not included in the original VHS version. David Maxey has also provided a new and updated narration for the programme.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2001 VHS, 20xx DVD remastered.

Running time: 115-mins

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: LP390D

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The Scottish East Coast route from Aberdeen to Edinburgh must be one of the most under-estimated routes in Britain. Pleasant scenery, impressive structures and semaphore signalling combine to produce a 130 mile journey that is packed with interest. And what better way to view it than from the driving cab of an HST. With the route also presenting a series of varying gradients, power car 43 093 was specially Wired for Sound to capture the once-familiar sound of the Paxman Valenta engine. This journey was filmed on September 23rd 2003, during the final week of HST on this service prior to going over to ‘Voyager’ operation.

After setting off from Aberdeen at 08.55 in glorious morning sunshine, the train climbs its way south through the Grampian countryside, skirting the coastline past Cove Bay before pausing for the first of nine stops stop at Stonehaven. The journey continues uphill again through Carmont before dropping through Laurencekirk to Montrose. From there a single track viaduct carries the line across the River Esk before climbing up to Lunan. After Arbroath the route continues through the golf links at Carnoustie before descending into Dock Street tunnel prior to arriving in Dundee station. On leaving the city, the HST crosses the spectacular two-and-a-quarter mile long Tay Bridge which carries the line into Fife. More stops follow at Leuchars and Markinch after which the train is routed onto the scenic half of the Fife Circle. Following another stop at Kirkcaldy the line then skirts the shores of the Forth estuary through Kinghorn, Burntisland and Dalgety Bay. After Inverkeithing is the short sharp climb up to North Queensferry. There then follows a leisurely amble across the routes most impressive structure – the Forth Bridge. Full power is resumed at Dalmeny as the HST speeds towards Edinburgh with a final stop being made at the city’s Haymarket station. The last mile of the journey is through the Mound Tunnels and Princess Gardens before journeys end in Waverley station.

Narrated by: David Maxey

First published: 2007

Running time: 110-mins

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Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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