The Architecture The Railways Built - Series 2 Episode 5
You can view the episode online here.
Lynton in Devon
This episode takes in the buildings of both the water-powered Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway and steam-powered Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. The latter includes a whole series of superb little “swiss chalet” style buildings including the restored steam railway at Woody Bay station and one which has become a great family eatery: The Old Station House Inn at Blackmoor Gate.
We can absolutely recommend both these tourist attractions up on the northern parts of Exmoor as parts of a day out. Incidentally, if you’re heading that way, The Bath Hotel down in Lynmouth is recommended by some of the team here at Trainline – we can also vouch that their burgers are awesome. The steam heritage line, the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway, is a lovely way to see the views right across to Wales. There’s a warm welcome to be had at all these Exmoor spots.
A behind-the-scenes look at the special device which stops the water-powered Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway to brake: it's a centrifugal governor.
The entrance to the Old Station House Inn makes its old use clear
"Perchance it is not dead, but sleepeth". This tiny postcard was laid on a floral wreath the day the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway closed in the 1930s - left by a local well-wisher. It has inspired enthusiasts here, and the world over, to reinstate old railway lines once again.
Catesby Tunnel in Northamptonshire
Sitting on the route of the old Great Central Railway, Catesby is a disused tunnel that’s now being turned into fast road testing track. It’s now being updated for high speed car testing – rather than huge coal trains – by Total Simulation Ltd. One of their team was interviewed for the programme – their work wasn’t finished during the visit, but the tunnel is set to be an incredibly useful tool for engineers in the future.
Leipzig main station in Germany
A visit to the largest station in Europe: and a look at the brand new tunnel which now takes a new railway beneath the city. The cutting-edge design of several other underground stations is looked at: it’s pretty much like Crossrail in London, connecting two parts of the city by going straight underneath the centre.
You can view The Architecture The Railways Built - Series 2 Episode 5 online here.