Rail Report 9: Top Levels of Transport

As the Modernisation Scheme for British Railways enters its sixth year, its effects become increasingly apparant in every aspect of railway work throughout the regions: in track improvements, in electrification and signalling; in new depots, marshalling yards and stations. It is these visible signs of progress that the camera examines as the commentary interprets their greater significance for the future.

As the thousands of passengers move about Britain every day, the railway system they use is being transformed : soaring concrete sustains new stations, a hillside is moved to make a new marshalling yard; express freight trains carry complete loads of oil, limestone, cars, frozen foods; griddle cars and Blue Pullmans, roadrailers and driverless trucks - these are only a few of the changes and innovations brought about by the Modernisation Plan.

Many of today's railway problems were created during the years of competition between the various railway companies. At Sheffield, for instance, different lines converge, producing a complexity which only results in inefficiency. Problems like this are shown in the film, as well as the new flyover at Rugby, modern signalling on the Southern Region, and passenger amenities at Plymouth.

This film draws attention to the new pattern that is emerging as the modernisation scheme progresses. It refers now and again to work shown in previous editions, and compares it with today's scene. This includes freight transport, marshalling yards, shipping and passenger services.

Behind Britain's railway modernisation lies research, design and development. Research ensures in various ways that passengers travel fast, safely and in comfort. Design and development yield new vehicles, equipment and methods; from motor-car conveyors to micro-wave communications. The electrification of the busiest mainline in the world also depends on research, design and development.

Neptune, an automatic and electronically equipped track fault recorder; Tinsley marshalling yard; freight trains - cement, limestone, cars; Reading station and signal box; the laying of long welded rails; Toton diesel maintainance depot; new electrification multiple unit rolling stock for service from Euston, locomotive cab training simulator, Willesden control room; Cross-Channel - launching the SS Dover... are topics featured in this film.

The film's contents are as follows: Merry-go-round coal trains - between collieries and power stations; Motorail; stations - Birmingham New St., Durham, Sunderland, Kirkcaldy; hovercraft - Isle of Wight service; Cartic car-carrying wagon; testing of wagon bodies - Derby laboratories; Southern House; Glasgow suburban services; Guildford signal box; Freightliners, company trains; hostesses - Seaspeed and at Gatwick Airport station.

Report No. 8 in a series of 13 topical films, produced since the far reaching plan for the modernisation and re-equipment of British Railways in 1955 started to take effect, to log the many developments - new services, equipment, techniques - wherever these have been introduced. They provide a unique pictorial record of the progress of British Railways.

Report No. 10 in a series of 13 topical films, covering: Hovercraft, Princess Ann; the Advanced Passenger Train; Design Centre exhibition, The next train; plasma torch, Derby Technical Centre; analysis of diesel oils, Glasgow science laboratory; bleep radio communications, Paddington; resignalling, Derby area; intercity coaches; evolved suspension, the Brighton Belle; Southern Region grouptravel; computer, Eastern Region; shipment of molten iron.

Report No. 11 in a series of 13 topical films. Because 1970 was European Conservation Year, this issue of the Rail Report Series was devoted to examples of what railways in Britain are doing to help conserve and improve the national environment.

Commercial and technical developments on British Rail: new freight loads, air conditioned carriages, an ultrasonic test-train for checking the permanent way, a lecture train, and a new station for motorists - all part of the railway scene in the 1970's.

A review of innovation and development within BR and its businesses, including: modernisation of freight facilities and service to new companies; progress of the Bedford/St. Pancras electrification project; paved track and permanent way maintenance; Sealink's "Galloway Princess"; Seaspeed's SRN4; and the Research department's magnetically levitated vehicle. For general showing.