1h 25 mins approx.

Germany – we study the rail activity around Oberhausen, where we see classes 203, 225, 221, 294, 185, 189, class 66 as well as private-operator locos from RBH. We look at three rail locations including Gelsenkirchen where RBH centre-cab electrics are seen on coal trains & at Bottrop where a preserved class 221 hydraulic diesel is seen on an engineers train.

Switzerland – we visit Niederbipp which is situated on the line between Solothurn & Olten. The station also acts as the terminus of the metre gauge lines from Langenthal & Solothurn: where we see modern & 1960s-vintage units in action. On the main route a procession of trains featuring SBB class Re4/4, Re 6/6, Ae6/6, 560 & BLS Re4/4s are seen on a mixture of workings.

Belgium – Denderleeuw rush-hour action - a large variation of train types are seen, including classes 21, 23 & 27 locomotives on peak-hour passenger workings, including new & old double-deck stock; class 26s on freight, plus AM63, 64, 82, 96 electric units in multiple formations.

France – we view the modern & older motive power scene to the south of the city of Nancy, where AGC z27500 electric units mix with 45-year old BB16500s on push-pull stock. We also cover the line east of Metz, where we see classes 37000, 26000, DBS class 185, ECR class 66 & 77 diesels & a variety of diesel & electric multiple units on passenger & freight workings.

Germany – a study of trains & traction in the Main Valley just to the north of Würzburg. A host of DB locomotives are seen, including class 111, 143, 151, 152 & 185, together with private operator’s locos from classes G2000, Voith Maxima, ex-DB class 203 & 231, MRCE class 185 & Class 66 providing the variety.

Switzerland – our final section looks at the mainline linking Brig with Lausanne amidst the magnificent mountain scenery. classes 460, Ae/6/6, Re6/6 and class 560 are all seen as well as private operator’s traction at Martigny and Bex. We finish on the slopes near to Lake Geneva where the mountain scenery is simply spectacular.