The
third in our series of ‘Wired
for Sound’ re-releases on DVD features a cab-ride on a pair of EWS
Class 31s on the once-legendary Northolt-Calvert ‘Binliner’. In this
programme, which was filmed in July 1998 (and released in 1999)
locomotives 31 207 + 31 308 are given a thorough workout over
the Chilterns with a trailing load of 1,648 tonnes. The climb to the
summit at Saunderton is through Denham and Beaconsfield to High Wycombe.
From there a series of double curves coupled with a stiff gradient has
the 40-year old Type 2 veterans at full bore for the remaining 6 miles
to the summit. After that, the line drops sharply down to Princes
Risborough where the 31s take the scenic single line route through
Little Kimble to Aylesbury. From there the train continues over the
former Great Central route which is now a single track freight-only line
to Claydon Junction. Shortly after Quainton Road station, the trains
progress is halted when a herd of sheep escape from their field and onto
the line in front of the train – causing the driver to perform an
emergency stop! Despite the valiant efforts of the train crew who do
their best to usher the sheep off the line, the animals are hemmed in by
the lineside fences. In the end the Class 31s themselves have to gently
cajole the sheep all the way to Calvert! It’s an extraordinary end to
a fascinating journey.
Like the preceding two re-releases (ALL THE WAY
and UNPLUGGED EXTRA) this programme has been completely re-edited from
scratch and features additional scenes not included in the original VHS
version.
"another classic in the 'Wired for Sound' series
. . . a must for all fans of these ever-popular locomotives".
RAILWAY MAGAZINE
Programme Fact File
Narration: David Maxey
First Published: 1999 DVD: 2007
Route Featured: Northolt to Calvert
Class Featured: 31. Availability: Now Click here for
ordering details
Other Locomaster Profiles Programmes featuring Class 31 motive
power: Power Hour and the Traction
Series.
