A relaxing diversion
You may remember a few years ago there was something of a craze for videos of burning log fires or fish tanks, which people where using either as electronic wallpaper or as a gentle source of relaxation.
I recently discovered something which has similar uses, but which is much better suited to the railway enthusiast. This was a copy of the DVD “Classic Train Journeys - Scotland"
I looked on the website of the DVDs creators, video125.co.uk and found many more treasures.
The main area of the site is the “Drivers Eye Views” series. These are videos filmed through the trains cab window, for a view which is rarely experienced by the general public. These views are supplemented by lineside ‘pass bys’, views from the station platform as the train pulls in or departs and, on some videos, footage from a helicopter or of the surrounding area.
Whilst I wouldn’t recommend these recordings for the general public, the pictures and commentary include much information for the rail enthusiast and modeller, either from a historic point of view, or by showing lineside ‘furniture’ which should give some inspiration for the modeller. How many layouts feature sections of rail in the ‘four foot’, or the little equipment boxes which the DVDs show dotted along the side of the railway? It’s also interesting to note the ballast detail with changes in colour and depth where recent permanent way work has taken place, sometimes with a noticeable difference between the ballast on each line of a double track railway.
The site also features DVDs of historic railway footage, both steam and diesel and some interesting documentaries. again very useful for the modeller and historian.