8mm Forum: The Elizabethan

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Posted by Paul Adsett (Member # 25) on October 06, 2008, 08:23 AM:

Watched a superb rail film last night- The Elizabethan made by British Transport Films. It's a wonderful black and white documentary film about the run of the magnificent Sir Nigel Gresley train, non-stop from London King Cross to Edinburgh Waverley station in six and a half hours. The commentary is superb, witty and frequently poetic, it totally captures the thrill and nostalgia of steam train travel in the UK. I was riveted to the screen through the whole half hour film.
I wonder if Mal has seen this one. Is it available on super 8?

Posted by Martin Jones (Member # 1163) on October 06, 2008, 09:22 AM:

Paul,
Those are the actual images of my youth over here.. the Sir Nigel Gresley, the Mallard, the Flying Scotsman etc.
They were the actual engine names: the complete trains running particular routes and at specific times had iconic titles... the Coronation Scot, the Cornish Riviera etc. Not to mention the Orient Express which would actually start in London, cross the channel by ferry and travel down through Europe to Istanbul (Constantinople). In my corner of England, the South East, there was the other type, the 3-rail electric; specifically the Brighton Belle, which did London to Brighton in exactly one hour.

The BBC made a classic film of this from the cab....."London to Brighton in 4 minutes".... who's got a copy?

Martin.

Posted by Mal Brake (Member # 14) on October 06, 2008, 05:08 PM:

Hi Paul.
Yes 'Elizabethan Express' was released on super 8mm as a 19 minute two-reeler.
I've shown this to a number of audiences, always getting a good response.
I also have it on a BTF dvd and I have to admit the dvd has better contrast than 8mm print. However, the film version is more than acceptable on an 8ft x 6ft screen.
regards,
Mal

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on October 08, 2008, 09:29 AM:

"Elizabethan Express" was issued in the UK by Walton in Super 8 sound as a 400' release.

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on October 09, 2008, 06:13 AM:

I have a superb Walton print of this film, in Standard 8, black & white, sound! [Big Grin]

When I say superb, I really mean it. The brilliance and contrast are as if the film was brand new, with crisp razor sharp projection. How it would compare with the Super 8 release, I don't know. Might be interesting to find out at some point! Yes, chaps, this is one of the better UK railroading films. [Big Grin]

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on October 09, 2008, 10:11 AM:

Say Martin, I think there may be a typo error in your post. The last time I checked, Devon was in the South West, not the South East - unless you're either wishing you were in the South East, or else looking at the map with a mirror! [Confused]

Just saw it as a bit of a laugh - sorry - I couldn't resist. [Big Grin]

Best,

Posted by Martin Jones (Member # 1163) on October 09, 2008, 01:03 PM:

Well done, David, There's a very simple explanation for my disorientation.... I spent my formative years in West Sussex; I only came to live in Devon 35 years ago.
Depending on how old you are, you may also, like me, remember the "Horsham Flyer" (also known as the "Steyning Express") which plied it's way backwards and forwards from Brighton to Horsham, calling at Steyning, Henfield, Partridge Green and Christ's Hospital, pulled or pushed by a wonderful old Tank Engine. If you can't, it shows that I'm very much older than you; it was an important part of my life when I boarded at Steyning Grammar School.
Martin

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on October 10, 2008, 01:18 AM:

Martin,

I drive over the remains of the old Steyning line everyday on my way to work! There is a really nice 2 x DVD set looking at the Steyning line. One DVD is all 8mm footage of the line from prior to its closure, the other is a nostalgic trip along the line tracing it's path through the West Sussex Countryside and identifying surviving remnants.

You might already be aware of this DVD but if you're not and would like more details, let me know - my Father has a copy and I can make a note of it's name and distributor for you.

Mike

Posted by David Pannell (Member # 300) on October 10, 2008, 02:43 AM:

Martin,

I know the line extremely well, as I now live less than a quarter mile from it near Southwater station - which now, sadly is a village shopping precinct! [Frown]

The route is now a walkway-cum-cycle track, known as The Downs Link, and is a favourite amongst mountain bikers. You also left out the station of West Grinstead, on the A272. The station house became a Little Chef for many years, but only last week was transformed into an exclusive restaurant. However, you can't mistake it for a station building, though.

Down on the roadbed adjacent to the platforms at West Grinstead (which are still there) there is an old Southern Railway coach, housing railroad memorabilia and walking guides etc. It is quite a nostalgic setting!

Such a small world. Please let me know if you require any more info about the line. If you're interested, it would be well worth picking up a copy of the book "Branch lines To Horsham", which also covers the rest of the route from Christs Hospital via Baynards, to Guildford. Baynards station is now privately owned and beautifully restored!

(If the truth be known, I'm probably older than you are)!

Posted by Gordon Hunter (Member # 679) on October 10, 2008, 05:41 PM:

My Super 8mm copy of "Elizabethan Express" was released by DCR Films. Good clear print and crisp sound.
I also have a Super 8mm copy of "London to Brighton in 4 Minutes" released I believe by Derann, some years ago. This film used to appear on BBC television many years ago on a fairly regular basis. The first "package movie film" I ever purchased and which I still have, was a 50 foot standard 8mm reel produced by Walton Films, showing 25 feet of London traffic and the other 25 feet being an extract of the London to Brighton film. This was around 1961!

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on October 15, 2008, 03:18 AM:

For UK television viewers here is a reminder to set your VCRs to record this delightful short.

BBC4 is showing "Elizabethan Express" on Thursday 23rd October.

Posted by Craig Hamilton (Member # 258) on October 15, 2008, 05:34 AM:

Maurice, whats a VCR [Big Grin]

Craig

Posted by Maurice Leakey (Member # 916) on October 15, 2008, 06:25 AM:

Craig

My two latest recorders (only a few months old) both have VCR capability.

A Panasonic, also with DVD recording. A Toshiba, also with HDD and DVD.

Both also have editing facilities with their transfers.

Oh no. Tape is not yet dead.

Posted by Mike Peckham (Member # 16) on November 12, 2008, 04:59 AM:

getting back to trains for a moment, I came across this chap; www.dumpman.co.uk recently. Can’t vouch for the quality of his DVDs because I haven’t bought or seen any, but if “Disused Railway Tunnels of Sussex” or “Midhurst to Chichester Trackbed Explored” is your thing, then it might be worth your having a look at his catalogue.

Some of the titles he is offering look quite intriguing…

Mike [Cool]

Posted by Christopher P Quinn (Member # 1294) on November 12, 2008, 08:09 AM:

Nice one Mike, Looks very interesting.

Can you mail me Mike.

Chris.

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