Australian Train Videos – Innovative Transformation

Disappearing Steam – NSW The 1950s and 60s.

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:53:05 +0000

As the 1950’s merged into the 1960’s, wholesale changes in the railway scene in New South Wales were becoming noticeable, particularly on the main lines of the state.
The day of the 38 class hauled express trains were becoming a rarity as diesel electric locomotives entered service and took over there rosters.
Heavy freight trains weren’t immune either, as many older steam locomotives had their numbers decimated.
As the disappearing of steam on the main lines was well under way, it was only a matter of time before an increasing number of branch lines saw dieselisation, a prelude in a number of cases, to line abandonment.
Thanks to cinematographer such as the late Keith Atkins, who travelled extensively to record steam and railway operations in general through many parts of NSW from the late 1950’s through to the mid 1960’s, the vision of steam at work has been preserved.
Lines features in this program include:

•   Corrimal Colliery
•   Port Kembla smelter.
•   Campbelltown to Camden,
•   Tumut and Batlow branch.
•   Wagga Wagga to Tumbarumba line.
•   Albury to Culcairn
•   Western Region, featuring number w44 concentrate train.

G42 From the Otways to the Dandenongs

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:51:06 +0000

The 2’6″gauge lines operated by the Victorian Railways required more powerful locomotives. Given that there were many tight curves and steep gradess, 2 Garratt articulated locomotives were purchased. Numbered G41 and G42, they were allocated to to the Walhalla and Crowes lines respectively. This DVD contains a brief history of G42 on the Colac to

Last Bastions of Chinese Steam

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:45:52 +0000

Travel to three of the last major centres of main line steam locomotives in China, Da’an, Fuxin and GuangXi Province. Filmed using digital technology it covers main line operations featuring the QJ, SY and JS classes.

Running time 70 minutes approx.

Last Train of… Last Run of…

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:44:03 +0000

The Victorian landscape is littered with the remains of the railways that once served the state.

In this programme, we look back at the organised and impromptu commemorations that were arranged to farewell some of these lines and locomotives.

You will see the last train to Kew.

The picturesque Warburtonline is showcased and includes the last train which was hauled by D3 639and K 166.

Another branch, this time in the North East was that to Heathcote.

Our Last Run … portion of the programme features the last run of A2986, the N class (including Newport and North British examples), the last postal motor to Koolonong, as well as the last rail cars to Koondrook and Piangil.

More Rail Motor Journeys

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:39:50 +0000

This DVD contains more footage of rail motors in operation in Victoria.

In this programme, we travel by 280hp Walker railcar on the Mornington Peninssula lines,, The Tallarook to Manssfield line on a Diesel Electric Rail Motor (DERM) as well as Walker railcars on the Beechworth, Bright andYarrawonga/Oaklands lines in the North East.

There is also shots on the Koroit to Hamilton, Balmoral and Coleraine lines amongst others.

Bonus Material: BUSY DAY ON THE SPA RAILWAY
Running Time: 45 minutes (plus bonus material)

Rail Motors Remembered

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:37:33 +0000

Until the mid 1970s, the familiar blue and gold of the Victorian Railways could be seen on the aging diesel electric and diesel rail car fleet.

The rail motors, together with most of the branch lines they served are now just a memory.

Through this DVD, you can travel back to the days when they were in daily operation, thanks mainly to film shot by the late Don Potts..

we feature diesel electric rail motors north of Bendigo and on the Mansfield line.

also we have various types of Walker railcar on regular services to Piangil and Linton.

Running Time: 50 minutes approx.

Rail Motors Across Victoria

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:35:46 +0000

Filmed by Keith Atkinson during the mid 1950’s and the early 1960’s this 104 minute program takes you to such lines as Mirboo North, Leongatha, Heathcote ,Whittlesea ,Mansfield and many other locations including the Fawkner to Somerton AEC Railmotor known as “The Beetle”.

Running time 104 minutes approx.

Rail Motor Journeys Over Lost VR Lines

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:33:42 +0000

After the Second World War, the Victorian Railways was in need of massive refurbishment. As part of this process, a number of new rail cars were purchased to replace or supplement the aging rail motor fleet.
In this program, we begin with a brief history of the state of the Victorian Railways after World War 2 and the development of the rail motor and rail car fleet from the late 1940’s through to the late 1970’s.
Then, utilising film from a number of sources, we travel aboard some of these rail motors and rail cars of journey over lines now long closed. Filmed from the front window of the rail motor, they show the railways as they were. These journeys are supplemented by shits of trains on these lines, to highlight features that were not always apparent from the train itself.
The first line visited is Thorpdale in 1955, 3 years before it closed. A side trip to Yallourn is also featured.
Whilst still in the east of Victoria, a trip to Yarram aboard a diesel Electric Rail Motor as far as Leongatha, and a 280 hp Walker rail car beyond. This is followed by a journey from Wonthaggi back to Nyora.
Closer to Melbourne, we have two trips on the Healesville line, (a decade apart), featuring 153hp Walker Railcars. Our final journey in on the Queenscliff line aboard a 600hp Tulloch diesel rail car.

Riding With The Driver

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:28:45 +0000

Over it’s 20 years in business, Channel 5 Productions has recorded material on broadcast standard videotape. Thanks to the co-operation of various operators, we have been able to film from the cabs of locomo9tives. On this DVD you will travel with the crew of G42 on the Puffing Billy Railway between Belgrave and Menzies Creek,

Sandringham – A Driver’s View

admin — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:26:41 +0000

Join the driver for a view from the cab of the historic Sandringham line. This line which is 18 kilometres in length, passes Melbourne’s inner suburbs before reaching the bay at Brighton Beach before terminating at Sandringham. Footage of Taits and Hitachi trains are also featured.

Running time 40 minutes approx.