Dorset’s lines were shared almost equally between the Great Western Railway and the London and South Western, and every one is explored on this film. These routes varied from lightly built, rural railways with a low volume of traffic to the Swanage branch, which at times carried main line express locomotives. These railways conveyed goods in and out of the county, provided a vital role during the dark years of warfare and in happier times they allowed holidaymakers and day trippers to enjoy their visit to the seaside. From the serendipity of stumbling on the owners of Powerstock Station House to tracing the Weymouth and Portland Railway on the Rodwell Trail, this film is packed with highlights, which also include an interview with former fireman Derek Phillips, a tour of Poole’s old branch lines with local historian Colin Stone and an extensive feature on the hugely popular Swanage Railway. Numerous other locations are featured, including Yeovil, Dorchester, Maiden Newton, Bridport, West Bay, Upwey, Abbotsbury, the Weymouth Quay Tramway and Verwood. Eminent railway historian and author Colin Maggs sheds light on a host of hidden treasures, with the help of wonderful archive photographs and colour archive film.

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