British Transport Films Collection

The Great Highway (1x12)

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The main lines between London, Crewe, Manchester and Liverpool have been electrified. Britain's most modern rail route is also one of the oldest. Why is this first main line system in Britain to be converted to electric traction drawing its power at high voltage from the National Grid? This film shows, against the vivid and fascinating history of these lines from George Stephenson and the engineers he inspired to the Inter-City expresses and how they served the needs of the population and industry since they were first conceived. A fascinating story of this important main line. A comparison of the achievements of electrification with the work of the railway pioneers.