Watch Preserved Lines - Swanage

Preserved Lines - Swanage is a documentary film that takes the audience on a nostalgic journey through the preserved railways of Swanage. The film is directed by John Stiles and stars Nick Darby as the narrator. The film captures the beauty and majesty of the steam locomotives that still operate in Swanage. The filmmakers use a combination of stunning aerial shots and footage from the locomotives’ perspectives to showcase how these historic trains run on narrow gauge tracks through the picturesque landscapes of Swanage.

Nick Darby, the narrator of the film, provides historical context and insight into the railway preservation efforts that have taken place in Swanage over the years. He describes the challenges faced by the early pioneers who sought to preserve railway heritage and how their efforts have resulted in the thriving railway network that operates today.

The film explores the rich history of the Swanage Railway, which first opened in 1885 as part of the London and South Western Railway. The railway played a vital role in connecting Swanage to the rest of the country, with daily services running to London. However, the railway was closed in 1972 due to economic reasons, leaving Swanage without a railway service for the next 30 years.

In 1976, a group of enthusiasts formed the Swanage Railway Society to save the line from being demolished. They began a campaign to raise funds and restore the railway, which eventually led to the reopening of the Swanage Railway in 2002. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction that welcomes over 200,000 visitors per year.

The film also highlights the role of volunteers in preserving the line’s heritage. Many of the workers involved in Swanage Railway are volunteers, who commit their time and energy to ensuring the trains continue to run smoothly. The film showcases the hard work and dedication of these volunteers, many of whom have been involved in preserving the railway for decades.

Preserved Lines - Swanage is a celebration of railway heritage and the efforts of those who have worked to preserve it. The film provides a unique insight into the world of preservation and showcases the beauty and majesty of steam locomotives. The many views of the locomotives, observed from various angles, are enchanting and make one drift back to a time when traveling by train was the norm.

In summary, Preserved Lines - Swanage is a documentary that provides a candid look into the preservation efforts of Swanage Railway. The film is informative, nostalgic, and visually stunning, showcasing the beauty and history of this iconic railway line. Nick Darby’s narration adds richness and context to the film, making it an educational and entertaining experience that’s a must-watch for anyone with an interest in railway history.

Preserved Lines - Swanage is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 5 minutes.