Learning on ScreenOff the Rails
- Synopsis
- A compilation of 7 films from the British Transport Films collection. Volume 8 in the series
- Series
- British Transport Films Collection, The: Series
- Language
- English
- Country
- Great Britain
- Year of production
- 1952-1962
- Subjects
- History; Media studies
- Keywords
- archive films; British Transport Films; transport
Distribution Formats
- Type
- VHS
- Format
- PAL
- Price
- £15.99 inclusive
- Availability
- Sale
- Duration/Size
- 105 min
- Year
- 2002
Sections
- Title
- Long night haul
- Synopsis
- (1956) The history of the British Road Services (BRS) General Haulage trunk service is told through the eyes of a driver who has been on the road for 30 years. We see the introduction of the latest equipment, including radio control of vehicles and the teleprinter network. As evening falls, the ‘trunkers’ embark once more on the long haul to the North.
- Duration
- 19 mins
- Title
- Dodging the column
- Synopsis
- (1952) The transporting of a distillation column, 137 feet long, 500 miles by road from Greenwich to Grangemouth in Scotland. The commentary, spoken by the rigger in charge and one of the tractor drivers, expresses their humour and resourcefulness, and the camera has captured moments of beauty as well as some amusing episodes en route.
- Duration
- 10 mins
- Title
- Journey to the sea
- Synopsis
- (1952) The story of a lorry’s journey as it carries a new propeller for a trawler laid up in a port on Wales’ rugged coast. For the lorry-driver and his mate it is all in a day’s work; minor mishaps are overcome on the journey from Preston through the beautiful Welsh countryside. The story ends with the trawler on its way out to sea.
- Duration
- 17 mins
- Title
- Giant load
- Synopsis
- (1958) A 200-ton transformer is moved by road from Middlesex to Buckinghamshire. Behind the story of the journey there is another tale: the problems which had to be solved before the task could be undertaken. This background story is told by the voices of those responsible for the various aspects of the operation.
- Duration
- 10 mins
- Title
- Measured for transport
- Synopsis
- (1962) A transformer, weighing 123 tons, is required for a remote site at Blaenau Ffestiniog in the Welsh mountains. First the rail and road journey must be planned, then the transformer designed to cope with the complexities of the route; and finally the special transportation equipment and experienced crews must carry the job through.
- Duration
- 13 mins
- Technical information
- Title
- They take the high road
- Synopsis
- (1960) Set in Scotland, this film tells the story of the team of four British Road Services drivers who lived and worked together for two years, loading and transporting 20,000 tons of cement in 7 1/2 ton loads up craggy mountain roads from the little railway station at Killin to the new Giorra Dam.
- Duration
- 25 mins
- Technical information
- Title
- Diesel train ride
- Synopsis
- (1959) The forward-facing windows of the new diesel multiple-unit trains reveal a new world of signs, signals and railway sights to those who ride behind the driver. Children find this a fascinating experience and the film communicates their excitement and wonder as well as some of their wry, unconscious humour.
- Duration
- 1 mins
- Technical information
Production Company
- Name
British Transport Films
- Notes
- Some BTF films are distributed by Beulah.
Distributor
- Name
BFI Video
- video.films@bfi.org.uk
- Web
- http://www.bfi.org.uk External site opens in new window
- Phone
- 020 7957 8957
- Fax
- 020 7957 8968
- Address
- 21 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1LN
Available from retail outlets
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