Watch Golden Age of Steam

Golden Age of Steam is a documentary series produced by TVF International that explores the world of steam locomotives in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The series is hosted by historian and railway enthusiast Peter Ginn, who guides viewers through the history of steam engines, their impact on the Industrial Revolution, and their eventual decline in popularity.

The series consists of six episodes, each focusing on a different aspect of steam locomotives. The first episode, "Pioneers and Adventurers", takes viewers back to the birth of steam power in the late 18th century and follows the careers of the pioneers who developed the technology. Ginn visits the places where these early steam engines were built and tests out some of the oldest surviving models.

The second episode, "Steam Trains and the Industrial Revolution", examines the role that steam locomotives played in the early stages of industrialization. Ginn takes viewers through some of the key sites of the Industrial Revolution, such as the iron foundries of Coalbrookdale and the textile mills of Lancashire, and explains how steam power revolutionized manufacturing.

The third episode, "Steam Trains and the Birth of Nations", explores the role that steam trains played in the creation of modern nation-states. Ginn visits places such as India and South Africa where steam locomotives played a key role in connecting far-flung regions and creating a sense of national unity.

The fourth episode, "Steam Trains and the Great War", looks at how steam locomotives were used during World War I. Ginn visits the battlefields of the Western Front as well as the train yards where troops and supplies were mobilized.

The fifth episode, "Steam Trains and the Rise of Tourism", examines how steam trains became a popular mode of transportation for tourists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ginn visits some of the most iconic railway journeys in Europe, such as the Orient Express and the Glacier Express, and explains why these journeys captured the public's imagination.

Finally, the sixth episode, "The End of Steam", looks at the reasons why the steam locomotive eventually fell out of favor. Ginn explains how the rise of diesel and electric engines and changing tastes among passengers led to the decline of steam power, and visits some of the last remaining steam locomotives in operation.

Throughout the series, Ginn is joined by a team of experts who offer additional insights into the history and technology of steam trains. These experts include engineers who have spent their careers working on steam locomotives, museum curators who are responsible for preserving the legacy of steam power, and historians who have researched its social and economic impact.

Golden Age of Steam offers a fascinating look at one of the most important technological innovations of the last two centuries, and Ginn's enthusiasm for his subject is infectious. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or just interested in the history of technology, this series is sure to entertain and educate.