The Channel Tunnel stands as an engineering triumph and a testament to what can be achieved when two nations, Britain and France put aside their historic differences and work together. On the 25th anniversary of its opening, we reflect on what it took to build the longest undersea tunnel ever constructed.
It all starts on 1830, when young George Stephenson manufactures the first steam engine and the first railway networks are built soon after. Railway becomes a crucial factor in the development of trade and military strength for a country, with its ability to quickly transport soldiers and munitions. Railways expand rapidly in Europe and arrive soon in Greece.
Historian Liz McIvor explores how Britain's expanding rail network was the spark to a social revolution, starting in the 1800s and continuing through to modern times.
Documentary series about the resurgence of steam power on the Welsh railways, including the ambitious Welsh Highland Railway in Snowdonia.
From the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, Dan Snow, Anita Rani and Robert Llewellyn explore the science behind the world's busiest railway. With John Sergeant reporting from across India.
Documentary series revealing the inner workings of Britain's railways, introducing the track-workers, train guards, drivers, police officers and management teams determined to keep the country moving.
Restoration experts restore iconic rail carriages back to their former glory
Swiss Railway Journeys is a captivating series showcasing the beautiful Swiss countryside as seen from its immaculate railways. First stop is Canton Ticino where visitors can admire the Italian influenced architecture before travelling high into the Alps through densely wooded valleys to marvel at this spectacular mountain range. Until the advent of railway engineering in the 1880's it was impossible for travellers to cross the Alpine backbone from Northern Europe to Italy during winter. Now the route can be seen in its entirety from the dramatic scenery from the heart of the Confederation to the Mediterranean in the south. Also on the itinerary is the glamorous resort of St Moritz, the breathtaking Albula Line with its lofty viaducts spiral tunnels and deep gorges and the beautiful Entelbuch valley. Swiss Railway Journeys offers more options than a Swiss Army Knife.
These are the Secrets of the Railways, railroads constructed during turbulent periods and associated with mankind's ugliest deeds.
Sur les rails de France
Michael Portillo heads for the Last Frontier of the United States armed with his 1899 Appleton's Guide-Book to Alaska.
Michael Portillo explores Canada, armed with his Appleton's Guidebook.
Railway adventures across Australia follows the exploits of Scott McGregor on his quest to find the famous, unusual and unique trains and stories at the end of the line.
This series looks at the iconic trains that have done the most to change history. Each train is an engineering marvel, each one a leap forward in the history of trains and railways. But more than this, these are the trains that made the modern world. These are the trains that unify nations and open up continents, that miraculously shrink distance and create a global economy, changing how we trade, what we buy and make and sell. They change how we live and even how we think, speeding up our lives and expanding our horizons. These are the machines that made us modern. Each episode features one iconic train and describes its impact on railway history and on history in general, combining archive and expert testimony with actuality and hands-on engineering demonstrations.
The invention of trains transformed everything about how humans lived. From the movement of goods and population, the design of cities, to conquest and warfare, there are few aspects of civilization that were left untouched by these machines.
"Ekiben" are lunch boxes sold at train stations enjoyed during train journeys which are filled with the charm of each region of Japan! Let's embark on a journey to encounter a selection of lunch boxes from all over Japan!
Manchán Magan embraces the ethos of slow travel, taking the time to get to know people and places, and experiencing local customs and traditions.
Following an elite crew of workers-- brakemen, engineers, construction crews, mechanics and train drivers – Railroad Alaska illustrates the battle against ferocious weather and treacherous terrain to keep the State of Alaska’s critical 500-mile long railroad rolling to deliver life sustaining supplies. From controlled avalanches to prevent catastrophe, to fascinating characters, like Jim James, the one-handed handy man, learn what it takes to keep this train on track.
Tunnelbanan
Covering thousands of miles, Sir Tony Robinson takes a whirlwind journey around the globe by train.