National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Jan 14 1965 Llanfyllin to Oswestry Branch Line
One of the last journeys on the Llanfyllin Branch Line which, like the Oswestry and Newtown Railway, was cut by Beeching in 1965, both having been in use for just over a century.
From the collection of:
Overview
The engines, stations, route, passengers and helpful guards on the Llanfyllin to Oswestry line are recorded on one of the last journeys undertaken before the Beeching axe fell and the line was closed. The stations (not seen on screen in line order) are Llanfyllin, Bryngwyn Halt, Llanfechain, Llansantffraid, Carrechofa Halt, Llanymynech, Llynclys and Oswestry (with an engine on a turntable).
Dr Richard Beeching, a physicist and technical director of ICI, became the first chair of the British Railways Board in 1961, a position offered to him by Ernest Marples, Conservative Minister for Transport (and a large share-holder in a road construction company). After a two-year investigation of the economically struggling rail network, Beeching advocated closure of many rural and industrial lines and indeed many such lines were axed and rural communities cut off.
Related
Watch for free
Solutions? Solutions?
Documentary 1972 8 mins
A musical illustration of life where road traffic chaos breeds anger and frustration, but the rail network is fast, smooth and relaxing
Watch for free
Farewell to Steam Farewell to Steam
Amateur film 1966 3 mins Silent Location: Hampshire
A film maker's attempt to record the last steam-hauled passenger and freight trains running along the West of England mainline from Waterloo
Watch for free
Track Testing Track Testing
1976 8 mins Silent
Testing times as we make a journey on board British Rail's High Speed Track Recording Coach.
Watch for free
Training Diesel Drivers Training Diesel Drivers
News 1962 6 mins Location: Derby
Farewell to the faithful steam war-horse as modernisation brings diesel power to the railways of Britain.
Watch for free
Inter-city Magic Inter-city Magic
Documentary 1977 1 mins Silent
Not-so-special special effects add the magic touch to this kitsch British Rail commercial.
Watch for free
The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport The George Bennie Railplane System of Transport
1930 23 mins Silent
High-speed luxury travel up to 150mph: the future of rail travel is in the air and it's going to be great for British steel
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.