The film starts with library pictures of a train crash at Stechford last month. The crash ended the 100 percent safety record on the electrified London Midland line. We then see vox pops with passengers showing their dissatisfaction with British Rail. This is followed by mute library pictures of steam locomotives and passengers at Birmingham Snow Hill station; and views of steam locomotives pulling passenger and freight trains. There is also a view of steam locos outside a shed being cleaned. The commentary re-starts as we see a view of a closed railway station (library pictures of Ironbridge station). We also travel in cab in an electric locomotive; see work on lifting old rails and replacing them with new welded ones; the constructing of a bridge (at Stafford?) and the demolition using explosives of an old bridge. There are also views of the new 25,000 volt lines being installed as well as new signal lights and the newly built Hill Street signal box in Birmingham. We then see passengers at the unrebuilt New Street station and there is also a view of the exterior showing the frontage. This is followed by a shot of a model of the new station and library pictures of demolition and construction. We then see views of the exterior and interior of the new building including the ticket office; platforms with passengers boarding trains; information centre and the first train of the new service leaving for London this morning. There are views in cab and aerial shots of the train travelling to Euston. Finally we see the steam locomotive Clun Castle as the commentary describes the end of services from Snow Hill and the passing of steam traction.
Written by David Lloyd
Commentators: Pat Astley; Barri Haynes; David Lloyd
Film Editor: Brian Hollins
Producer: Donald Shingler
Directors: Tony Parker; Mike Lloyd