Silver Bullet Syphons
Re-mastered
and extended from the original VHS version, this DVD is a Wired
for Sound cab ride filmed on board the last booked Class 37s on
Britain’s longest-distance freight train – the Burngullow to Irvine
china clay. This programme, filmed on 22nd July 1995,
features their journey to Newport from where a Class 60 took over the
train the following day.
The
programme begins at St Blazey depot where 37 669 + 37 670 are fired up
before setting off light engine to the ECC terminal at Burngullow to
collect 10 loaded china clay tanks. With 1,100 tonnes in tow the 37s set
off across Cornwall to do battle with the challenging climbs of
Treverrin and Largin. After crossing Brunel’s Saltash Bridge into
Devon, there’s more meltdown as the 37s pound their way up Hemmerdon.
That’s followed by more serious thrash as the locos continue to the
summit at Wrangaton After descending to Totnes, there’s the taxing
climb up Dainton. There’s a brief respite as the train runs along the
sea walls at Teignmouth and Dawlish. At Exeter, another 180 tonnes are
added to the load in Riverside Yard before the train sets off for the
climb up to Whiteball summit. After Taunton, speed restrictions
Highbridge and Worle are followed by ‘full on’ bursts of English
Electric power. After passing through Bristol, Filton Bank has the Type
3s at full tilt again. But arguably the best thrash of all takes place
at the bottom of the Severn Tunnel as the pair turn on the power for the
stiff climb up to Severn Tunnel Junction and into South Wales. That’s
followed by a short run through Newport to Alexandra Dock Junction Yard
where the train recesses to allow the 37s to be detached from the train
for the last time.
This
digitally re-mastered programme not only contains an extra 20 minutes of
previously unreleased footage, but it also has a revised and updated
script, narrated by David Maxey. So, sit back and enjoy some classic
traction nostalgia – accompanied by a truly spectacular soundtrack!
Arrival at Alexandra Dock Junction concludes the 6-hour journey, the
"Bullet" continuing to Scotland the next day behind the new order - a
Class 60 - thus ending another chapter in locomotive history. This video
brings you the best of the "Bullet" and the results are spectacular! It’s
exceptionally noisy.., and it lasts for 90 nerve-shattering minutes! You
have been warned!!
"The Hi-Fl sound recorded here of the two Class
37s at full bore has to be heard to be believed." RAILWAY MAGAZINE
