This programme is compiled from the relevant country sections from the European Railway series advertised elsewhere on this site taken from programmes between Spring 2003 to Spring 2004.

Basel: We look at the German and French main lines to the north of the city. SNCF class 20200 are just 13 strong and work exclusively on trains to and from Mulhouse, we see these and other traction in the shape of class 101, 111, 140, 151 and 155 at Eimeldingen and Wiel Yard.

Class 219 - a look at the last days of the class at work at Gera.

Rudesheim - a study of rail traffic through this tourist hotspot. An amazing variety is seen from ex-DR diesels to a class 103 electric. With constant traffic other classes from 101, 120, 140, 150 and 155 add to the waterfront action.

Emmerich - located close to the Dutch border, we feature a mixture of diesels and electrics from both countries. Dutch class 1700, 1800 and 6400 are witnessed as well as DB 110, 103, 150, 333, 101, 146 and ICE.

Bottrop - situated on the main freight avoiding line around the northern part of the Rhur valley. DB classes 140, 145, 152, 185, 218, 294, privately-operated classes 643, 900 as well as an ex-DR class 228 diesel!

Berlin - a visit to the northern freight lines where we sample a 'Euro class 66': no 29002 as well as a host of class 140 and 155 electrics and S-Bahn units.

Laufach - a look at the main route linking Frankfurt with Wurzburg through Laufach as it climbs over the Spessart Hills. Class 151s are seen banking long freights, Austrian 1116 electrics top-and-tailing a Eurocity train, class 140 and 152 on freight, class 101, 110, 111, 112, 143 and even a preserved VT08 'Egghead' DMU.