Run-time: 60mins approx.

In this programme we feature:

Germany - Cologne profile; France - Normandy diesels around Mezidon; Endangered species - Austrian class 1040s; Switzerland - The Rhätische Bahn; Dutch hotspot - Lage Zwaluwe, south of Dordrecht; France - Thionville traffic centre.

Detailed contents:

Lines around Köln: One of the busiest railway centres in Germany. we choose three locations at Opladen, Köln-Portz and Köln West witnessing a wide variety of traction. Included are: 101, 110, 111, 120, 139, 140, 141 143, 150, 151, 155, 215, 294, 944 and ICE on a mixture of passenger and freight workings.

Normandy diesels: French diesel traction during 1995. A look at operations around Argentan, Vignats and Mezidon in the northwest of the country. Classes 67300, 67400, & 68000 feature.

Lineside Passing Point: Belgian passenger train action at Landegem on the Gent to Brugge mainline. Inludes new class 13 electrics.

Endangered species - Austrian class 1040s: Now in the last months of service, we take a look at the everyday operations of the class around the central part of the country. Locations include: Semmering, Selzthal, Weyer and Eisenerz.

Focus on Switzerland - The Rhäticshe Bahn: With 370km worth of lines in the southeast this is the largest narrow gauge network in the country. With superb snow-covered mountain scenery as the backdrop we study passenger services along the route from Landquart in the north to the famous resort of St. Moritz in the south. A variety of electric railcars and locos feature as well as preserved steam loco RhB 107 on a special to Klosters.

Dutch hotspot - Lage Zwaluwe: The main line south of Dordrecht is one of the busiest in the country packed with local passenger, intercity and freight traffic. We spend an evening train-watching at this popular location.

France - Thionville: Located in the northeast close to the border with Germany and Luxembourg a huge amount of freight traffic passes through the town?s station each day. With local and eurocity passenger traffic this is one of the main rail centres in the area. Locos featured include type 63000, 72000, 12000, 15000, 16500, 25100 and 26000.