1st Take's series of films on the Branch Lines of England, based on the books of eminent railway historian and author Colin Maggs, now makes a welcome return to the glorious county of Devon. This DVD explores the old branch lines of North and West Devon, including an evocative visit to Dartmoor, where the first railway in the area was worked by horses in 1823. Later, it was superseded by the Princetown Railway, which included the highest railway station in England. There is also an extensive feature on the busy Plymouth area, whose rail network encompassed Millbay Docks, Devonport, Turnchapel and the Cattewater, Friary, Stonehouse Pool and Sutton Harbour branches. The story is enhanced by stunning modern film as well as rare historic photographs and archive footage, much of which is in colour. It also includes interviews with people who have developed successful heritage lines from what was left of the old system, with visits to the majestic Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and the Plym Valley Railway, which fully merits its epithet of the Woodland Line. The latest heritage line to emerge is the Dartmoor Railway, whose base is at the attractively restored Okehampton Station, and which runs from Coleford Junction to the awe-inspiring Meldon Viaduct. Happily, some of the old branch lines are still in service today, such as the attractive Tamar Valley Line, which ventures from Plymouth, across the beautiful Calstock Viaduct and ends up at Gunnislake in Cornwall; and the Tarka Line, which calls at a number of charming old-world country stations as it journeys from Exeter to Barnstaple. Other branch lines featured include Brent to Kingsbridge, Tavistock Junction to Launceston, the Yealmpton branch and Venn Cross to Barnstaple. In addition, a tour of the county's beautiful north coast includes a tribute to the fondly remembered Barnstaple & Ilfracombe Railway, which was so busy that it was upgraded to main line status for over half its life.
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