The Vanishing World of Steam

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This volume features Chinese working steam photographed in temperatures as low as minus 30° Centigrade.

Featuring all new material, It was filmed during January 1996 and includes the following stunning winter steam action of unsurpassed quality.

• Chengde - JS & SY action on the lengthy, and steeply graded, steelworks branch. Including two banking locos assisting the main train engine on this scenic line.

• Yebaishou - superb main line steam featuring QJs on a wide variety of different duties including passenger services and double headed and banked freights featuring classic winter action on the hilly lines to Chifeng, Lingyuan & Boluochi.

• Anshan - the steelworks boasts many SYs, YJs and Pls which can be found around this huge and impressive industrial site including working the spectacular service to the slag tip.

• Shenyang - although this huge modern city sees comparatively little main line steam a small stud of JSs are kept here for some interesting local trip workings. In addition QJs also put in an appearance on freight services between the two main freight yards.

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 1996 on VHS, 2003 on DVD.
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 60-mins (1hr 0min) , Colour
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Ref: TR849D

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One European steam route that doesn't need to operate preserved steam is based at Wolstzyn in Poland. Quite incredibly this part of the standard gauge Polish state network, with its pocket of intense daily steam activity, has continued to work right up to the present day.

Using locomotives based at the splendid quarter roundhouse at Wolstzyn, the secondary main lines to Poznan, and Leszno feature the last regular standard gauge steam running in Europe. Some people mistakenly assume this is a tourist style preserved operation.

In fact nothing could be further from the truth. While Steam Railway readers have benefited from special charter trains, the vast majority of movements are scheduled services solely for the benefit of fare paying locals.

Filmed in Winter, Spring & Autumn 1996, this superb video contains all new material and features:- Action in and around the famous shed at Wolstzyn. Local pick up freights at Grodzisk, Kargowa & Konotop. Cab rides.

Spectacular secondary main line steam passenger action on the lines to Poznan, Zbaszynek and Leszno.

A look at the fascinating narrow gauge line at Sroda.

Steam loco classes including 1917 vintage Prussian P8 4-6-0, the magnificent green livered PM36 Pacific, OL49, OK22, PT47, TY3, TY42, TY45, & narrow gauge PX48.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 60-mins (1hr 0min)

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Ref: TR794D

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Still officially a closed communist country, at least as far as citizens of the USA are concerned, Cuba has much to offer the serious connoisseur of working steam. During the comparatively short sugar season an incredible variety of vintage steam locomotives are pressed into daily service with predominantly American designed locos from both Alco and Baldwin being the most common types, as well as a handful of European examples in use.

The huge variety of sugar cane mills on the island, most of which are standard gauge but also include 2' 3", 2' 6", & 3' 0" examples, have become a magnet for many resourceful rail fans during recent years. The majority use oil fired locos which are renowned for producing particularly dense smoke, but there are a few coal fired locos sometimes to be seen in service. The island features lots of delightful Spanish timbered colonial style building and is also well known as the final resting place for many vintage USA and British cars which are still pressed into every day service.

Despite severe economic pressures many mills are back in full production and part one of this unique programme highlights action from many of the most scenic and interesting mills including:- 207 Gregorio Arlee Mañalich, 211 Rubén Martínez Villena, 212 Boris Luis Santa Coloma, 303 Australia, 306 Cuba Libre, 403 Mal Tiempo, 405 Luis Arcos Bergnes, 418 Obduilo Morales, 428 Marcelo Salado, 440 Ifrain Alfonso, 448 Simón Bolívar, 503 Orlando Gaozález Ramirez.

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Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 55-mins (0hr 55min)

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Ref: TR788D

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No prizes for guessing that this video features China! - With around four thousand steam locos still working in 1998, China remains the only major country in the world still using any serious volume of steam power for every day use. Shot during 1997 and 1998 this video with it's informative script is band up to date, with unparalleled winter steam action including:- Yebaishou. A return to this highly acclaimed area featuring what is likely to be some of the last steam action from this popular location.

Xilin. Narrow gauge action along an interesting rural line worked by PT4s - also the Yexi stone railway in Beijing. Mulling . Passenger action around the giant horse shoe between Mundanjiang and Muling.

Tumen . Steam close to the border with Korea highlighting the famous Xingxing spiral. Jinpeng Pass

The superb Tongliao - Jining line featuring winter action on the now famous Jinpeng pass as well as a visit to Daban depot. This 'provincial line' which is not part of China has sprung to prominence in recent years as it is still one hundred percent steam operated with semaphore signals and in addition, passes through some spectacular mountainous areas. Most of the traffic is freight worked by ex China Rail QJs - although the alternate day passenger service in this remote part of Inner Mongolia is also featured. With so much stunning action, this video provides one of the most up to date opportunities to view working steam in the last few years of this century.

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Number of discs: 1 DVD-R


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Ref: TR774D

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Our return visit to Cuba highlights many important mills not featured in part one. Faced with the collapse of the Soviet trading block, the US trade embargo and strained relations with Latin America, hard currency from any source is critical for Cuba. Although to a ceratin extent, sugar's dominance as the primary source of foreign currency earnings, has been overtaken by Tourism, the annual sugar crop is still very important particularly in rural areas where most jobs rely directly or indirectly on sugar.

Castro's already well into his seventies, and it's impossible to predict what will happen when he dies. Some speculate anarchy, mayhem and chaos, while others foresee an ordered but gradual change to capitalism. One thing is for certain - any political changes will affect the sugar industry - and the steam railways of Cuba dramatically. The ancient and labour intensive steam locos featured in these two volumes could soon become a thing of the past as they are replaced by fleets of newly imported diesels - or even lorries - serving a much modernised and streamlined industry. Sugar is grown in nearly all parts of Cuba, although the actual harvest time varies considerably. This last mill featured in this excellent programme spotlights Rafael Freyre - the most scenically attractive of Cuba's sugar lines which is always amongst the last to harvest. Mills featured include:- 105 Augusto César Sandino, 107 Pablo de la Torriente Brau, 315 José Smith Comas, 314 Jesús Rabí, 319 René Fraga, 413 Espartaco, 424 Primero de mayo, 409 Antonio Sánchez, 443 Pepito Tey, 515 Ciro Redondo, 522 Venezuela, 504 Ecuador, 520 Noel Fernández & 635 Rafael Freyre

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Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 55-mins (0hr 55min)

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Ref: TR768D

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At the start of the 21st century, China is the only country in the world, that is able to offer any serious volume of steam traction, and in this unique programme we highlight the splendid action still to be seen during the extreme winter weather.

Main line express passenger steam officially finished in China in October 1999, and we mark this sad milestone by taking a brief glimpse of the Fuxin to Jinzhou service.

There's also a look at the Baotou Dong JS fleet which worked some of the last regular steam passenger suburban services around Baotou, and the Shiguai branch which winds for 38 kilometres north east of Baotou.

We feature tremendous steam action on the Baotou to Shenmu line which was completed in 1994 to service the coal mines opened to the south of Dongsheng, and is not run by China Rail, but is operated as an independent ‘local line’. The highlight of this 100% steam line, are double headed QJs assisted by a third QJ banking.

There's also a return visit to the unequalled Jinpeng area on the Tonglio to Jining line - another provincial 100% steam outpost. This time we concentrate on the western side of the Jinpeng pass, including an atmospheric footplate ride on the first loco of a pair of QJs as they work a heavy freight over the mountainous route.

In total, contrast we take a first look at some unique surviving narrow gauge steam routes in the far North of China, including the forestry lines of Yabuli and the nearby line from Weihe, which even boasts a regular steam hauled narrow gauge passenger service

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2000 on VHS, 2008 on DVD
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 92-mins (1hr 32min) , Colour
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Ref: TR743D

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Once again the Tele Rail crew head for China to record the final chapters of The Greatest Show on Earth. This time there's spectacular narrow gauge winter steam action from Zhane, 320 kilometres north of Harbin in Northern China, where the team were the first professional Western film crew to make the lengthy journey deep into the isolated forests - right on the Russian border - to see logging operation.

There's a new look at some favourite lines, including Chengde, situated 250 km north of Beijing. This hilly area - which is famous for the emperor's summer palace - is the unlikely setting for one of China's most spectacular steelworks railways. Each day a small fleet of SY 2-8-2s and JS 2-8-2s battle to carry coal up the steep branch where it's normal practice to employ three locos on each short train. There's also a unique visit to the steelworks which is normally out of bounds.

There's more stunning winter sights on the Shenmu local railway with huge coal trains around Dongsheng. Not forgetting awesome action in prefect winter weather, on the Ji-Tong line which has become famous for it's beautiful scenery and the impressive Jingpeng pass.

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2001 on VHS, 2008 on DVD
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 93-mins (1hr 33min) , Colour
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Ref: TR738D

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For more than a quarter of a century, many thousands of visitors have thrilled at the sight and sounds of steam engines hard at work at Hollycombe. This unique collection is a tribute to the days when Britain was the world's leading enginerrining country, and steam power made it all happen. The collection at Hollycombe has been built up over 50 years by Commander Jonh Baldock wjo has achieved his life-long ambition to build up this unique tribute to the great days of steam. Today Hollycombe is managed by a ream of unpaid volunteers all of which work hard to take this collection to even greater heights. This video is a tribute to Cdr.Baldock's vision - his "Dream of Steam" - and to the volunteers' sheer hard work and dedication to keep it all working as hard as ever. Sit back and enjoy this fascinating insight into one of the world's premier collections of steam power. In less than an hour this programme will give you the unique atmosphere of the steam fairground, steam railway and road engines and much more - not forgetting the superb woodland gardens - as well as a look at the hard work done during the weeks before the opening for the summer season.

Availability: AVAILABLE
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 90-mins (1hr 30min)

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Ref: TR722D

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A brand new programme - released to accompany the launch of our latest book on China - features steam lines that have survived into the new century. There's over 90 minutes of the latest action here, all beautifully photographed including many scenes filmed in 2003.

TIEFA - a marvellous industrial system with plenty of passenger and heavy coal trains - including double headed SYs.

HEGANG - despite the pit and surrounding lines being electrified this little visited system has some real surprises with SYs working plenty of passenger services.

TONGCHUAN - a real rarity, operated by JFs, the oldest working locos in China work to Wangshiwa colliery.

YUNBAOSHAN - a busy colliery system that includes plenty of coal plus a regular mixed freight and passenger service all worked by JSs.

Ji -Tong - the last great steam line in the world! This time featuring action away from the famous Jingpeng pass when we visit Chabuga shed and take time to explore the areas around Lindong and Chabuga for scenic lineside action

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2003 on VHS, 2006 on DVD
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 94-mins (1hr 34min) , Colour
.

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Ref: TR712D

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This latest volume explores the delights of some of the lesser known areas of Southern China including:-

• Shibanxi - a wonderfully evocative narrow gauge line which twists and turns up an isolated valley to carry coal from a small mine plus numerous local passengers and their animals to market.

• Pindingshan - as far as industrial railways are concerned they don't get any busier than this! Lots of action including SYs, JSs and QJs.

• Yinghao - it seems like time has stood still on this charming narrow gauge line with its intensively worked shuttle up a steep climb to a transfer yard before a lengthy run to the China Rail railhead.

• Hechi - a wonderful JS operated system that passes through some very dramatic and unusual scenery.

• Zhenjiang - an 8km line from a limestone crushing plant to the shipping point on the Yangtze worked by three JSs.

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2005
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 2x DVD-R

Running Time: 120mins (2hrs 0min) , Colour
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Ref: TR196D

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With the end of intense Chinese QJ action on the Ji Tong line at the end of 2005 you could be forgiven for thinking that the party is all over - but in fact as this new DVD proves there's some really outstanding everyday steam action still to be found all over China including:-

• Jixi, a close look at this wonderful intense 100% SY steam worked mining area complete with its own workshops.

• Yaojie, rural SY action including double heading

• Baiyin, a busy industrial network complete with a lengthy regular steam worked passenger service.

• Xingyang brickworks, contrasting narrow gauge action.

• Sandaoling, lengthy heavy coal trains here produce regular banking by deflectorless JS's.

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2007 on VHS, 2008 on DVD
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 2x DVD-R

Running Time: 100-mins (1hr 40min) approx , Colour
.

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Ref: TR159D

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After first visiting China in 1994 the Tele Rail team have been privileged to return no less than 26 times!

Sadly in 2011 just a few tiny pockets of industrial steam remain - a mere shadow of their former glory days, so this really is the end of the line for Chinese working steam. This last programme documents the essence of what remained at the end of 2008 when the Tele Rail crew decided on one last visit. Featuring:-

Panzhihua Incredibly after lengthy negotiations we managed to get permits to visit this large steelworks in the South of China, where there were still 8 active SYs.

Tiefa There's a return visit to this huge coal mining area. With 3 SYs in steam to work some of the passenger turns the glory days of freight operations are well and truly over. However, what remains has considerable charm particularly the night time departures.

Jixi There's some wonderful action here on a network that still boasted 100% steam on the interesting Didao system which was still very busy. Zhalainur (Jalainur) nothing can compare to the wonderful complex system that still boasted 21 locomotives within a single opencast mine ! This really was one of the wonders of the modern world.

Availability: AVAILABLE
First published on DVD: 2011
Screen aspect ratio: 16:9 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R

Running Time: 100-mins (1hr 40min) approx , Colour
.

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