Run-time: 1h 53 mins approx.

SWITZERLAND - any journey along the BLS mainline offers the onlooker a wide selection of motive power even in these days of creeping modernisation. The variety of locomotive classes to be seen in this study of operations at the north and southern ends of Spiez station, show just how much the railways in Switzerland have changed over the years. We see the new BLS ‘Lötchberger’ Class 535 electric multiple units in action, together with an older generation class 565 unit and class 425 locos on freight and passenger services. Class 460 and 465 represent the powerful development of electric traction from the 1990s. New class 185 & 485 TRAXX F140 AC are seen on freight services and so too is an older class 436. German (DB) ICEs are filmed working on through services from Germany to Interlaken. One of the main highlights is the sight of the latest Class 187 electric fitted with a ‘last mile’ diesel engine, seen here on test (see photo above right).

GERMANY – we visit the 750mm-gauge ‘Fichtelbergbahn’ steam-operated line in Saxony, to witness German narrow-gauge steam in action. We follow trains on the route between Cranzahl and Oberwiesenthal through spectacular woodland and hillside scenery. Filmed in July 2013.

POLAND - two lines are featured to the east of the industrial city of Katowice as we look at modern-day passenger and freight operations, including the Russian-Gauge LHS railway. Local passenger services are witnessed being operated by class EN57 and EN71 multiple units. We see diesels in the shape of ST44 (M62), Tem2 and

SM42 and electrics from a varied stable, including: EP-07, ET22, ET41, ET21, class 182 & 186 - either light engine or on freight services.

FRANCE – a study of passenger and freight services to the south of Dijon, close to the marshalling yard at Gevrey. A whole host of train-types are seen including: TGV, z27500, BB7200, BB22200, BB25500, BB26000, BB27000, BB37000, BB69400, BB67200 Vossloh G2000 and ‘Euro’ and ECR class 66. This is a busy location and popular with enthusiasts, our two camera crews meant that none of the action was missed on the freight and avoider lines.

GERMANY - the final section takes us to Southern Bavaria. The expected arrival of new TRAXX ME class 245 diesels to Kempten depot will likely see the end of the class 218 diesels that operate in the area, so we captured the current day operations in our visit during July 2013. The rolling hills offer superb vantage points as we find class 612 DMUs, class 223 and 218 at work on a variety of passenger services. We also cover the Füssen branch with some excellent mountain scenery as the back-drop.