Great British Railway Journeys

[Wyvern]

IAnd when he's talking about the beauty of the Peak District, it's perhaps a bit much to suddenly cut to an image of a train running through Devon, as the 'King' was (unless I'm very much mistaken!) last night.

Well you could forgive him being confused. The sign outside the Railway Hotel in Belper - in the heart of Midland country - shows a GWR train.

Stillsome members will pleased to have left Pacer country.

 

[Astaroth]

I wonder if some "train" viewers even relax watching the programme, many seem far too busy in finding fault if many of the thousands who are enjoying it could read some of the petty remarks they would be the ones to laugh.

It is not a programme concentrating on trains, it is Bradshaw's Reviews and find my any programme on TV or even in books that may not have some errors

Talk about taking "the biscuit" relax and enjoy yourselves.

... when I'm 'relaxing', my eyes and ears still function perfectly well ... as does my brain. I'd have to be asleep to miss some of the howlers in these programmes. The people making them are not badly paid, so why do you think it is OK for them to do a crappy job?

 

[FlyingScot]

Did anyone see the one at York, I thought he was quite patronising to the train spotter, I was disappointed he didnt make any reference to the National Railway Mueseum, I think Pete Waterman should have presented it.

Yeah, that got me sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo angry! All I saw was Oliver(Cromwell, not the thomas dude)coming out and that was it!:-x

 

[Metroland]

... when I'm 'relaxing', my eyes and ears still function perfectly well ... as does my brain. I'd have to be asleep to miss some of the howlers in these programmes. The people making them are not badly paid, so why do you think it is OK for them to do a crappy job?

A lot of the problem with the train shots (especially the helicopter ones) would be shot separately, possibly with some weeks difference. So I suppose if he's on an HST one minute, and they send a helicopter up (which costs a fortune) they can't hang around forever waiting for the right trains.

It would be a fairly limited budget show, the Director is doing a lot of the camera work (if you look at the credits) and I suspect its just a soundman and Micheal Portillo, most of the time.

Though slightly concerned yesterday night talking about the water in Burton beer, with a shot of the Trent! It's a bit of a myth that the water comes from the Trent (which isn't the cleanest of rivers!) and in fact comes from springs in the area.

 

[Wyvern]

It would be a fairly limited budget show, the Director is doing a lot of the camera work (if you look at the credits) and I suspect its just a soundman and Micheal Portillo, most of the time.

Not much point in spending a lot of money on a show at half past six when most people will be looking at the news.

He certainly got into a mess with his history of Cromford and the different mills. The Midland Hotel was interesting, and the fact that it was only for the hoi poloi. The North Midland Railway also built a hotel for Railway staff and commercial travellers. Now called the Brunswick Inn it still sells the best pint in Derby. The joke was at the first the talk was of hunting and shooting and at the other of shunting and hooting.

The sequence on Derby Arboretum just showed a fleeting glimpse of the Florentine Boar statue.
http://www.derbyarboretum.co.uk/the_florentine_boar.htm
The Arboretum has just been revovated and many people objected to the restoration of the statue for fear it would offend the sensitivities of the local Muslim population. In this age of religious tension it is nice to record that the local Muslim community said "Dont be so silly. Put it back"

 

[jaybs]

... when I'm 'relaxing', my eyes and ears still function perfectly well ... as does my brain. I'd have to be asleep to miss some of the howlers in these programmes. The people making them are not badly paid, so why do you think it is OK for them to do a crappy job?

We will just have to agree to disagree! I have worked in media broadcast since leaving school and the "average" viewer is looking for entertainment and does not spend all the programmes searching just for faults or errors.

I have to admit I have found out many interesting facts from the programme, it is like going on holiday you can either moan about every small problem or make the most of it and enjoy yourself, the half glass Full syndrome!

 

[Wyvern]

The fleeting shots of the old brewery railways in Burton and the level crossings certainly brought back memories for me.

 

[Astaroth]

We will just have to agree to disagree! I have worked in media broadcast since leaving school and the "average" viewer is looking for entertainment and does not spend all the programmes searching just for faults or errors.

I have to admit I have found out many interesting facts from the programme, it is like going on holiday you can either moan about every small problem or make the most of it and enjoy yourself, the half glass Full syndrome!

It's not necessary to spend ANY time 'searching' for faults and errors in these programmes, they are glaringly obvious, though perhaps I ought to apologise for not being 'average' enough for you?

Whilst on the subject of 'average', might I point out that your 'syndrome' is actually 'glass half full' not 'half glass full' (which would indicate half a glass which was full; strange concept). It is also worth a mention that this very syndrome is yet again 'average' ... a half full glass being the average of an empty one and a full one.

I wish you luck with your 'average' life, and will continue to enjoy my decidedly non-average one.

 

[90019]

It's not necessary to spend ANY time 'searching' for faults and errors in these programmes, they are glaringly obvious, though perhaps I ought to apologise for not being 'average' enough for you?

But you come and complain about them on a forum? Seriously, are you here for any other reason than to whinge about this?
They may be glaringly obvious to you, because you're aware of the differences, but I doubt the majority are.

Things like this happen in most shows, and the majority of people don't notice, it's really not a big deal.

If it really annoys you this much, don't watch it.
Simple.

 

[bluebottle]

The thing is, if they can't get the continuity and editing right, is the rest of the programme as accurate? We've already had SS Great Britain described as the world's first steamship.

 

[90019]

The thing is, if they can't get the continuity and editing right, is the rest of the programme as accurate?

But you could say that about the majority of programs on tv.

 

[Metroland]

Well that's it folks, has a month really gone by? Nice little series that, sometimes it did wonder off the railway interest, but a good little social history for those not aware of the 100 odd years of the domination of railways in this country.

New series next year apparently.

 

[Astaroth]

But you come and complain about them on a forum? Seriously, are you here for any other reason than to whinge about this?
They may be glaringly obvious to you, because you're aware of the differences, but I doubt the majority are.

Things like this happen in most shows, and the majority of people don't notice, it's really not a big deal.

If it really annoys you this much, don't watch it.
Simple.

... so that's what I expected to be watching, and if I didn't have an interest in railways, particularly in the era before diesels and electric took over, I wouldn't have watched. I continued to watch because some of the old footage and old stills were of interest, but in doing so I was constantly annoyed by all the inconsistencies I saw, so I commented on them. I was not aware that I was living in a world where it was illegal to point out failings in the work of others; when you purchase something, do you not expect it to be fit for purpose ... and if it isn't, do you not complain?

 

[90019]

but in doing so I was constantly annoyed by all the inconsistencies I saw, so I commented on them.

Then don't watch it. Are you really having such difficulty grasping this concept?
I don't like Eastenders, but I don't sit watching it then complain about it afterwards.

If you go to a concert and don't like it, do you leave and forget about it, or do you sit though it all then go and whinge at others because it wasn't up to your standards?

I was not aware that I was living in a world where it was illegal to point out failings in the work of others

You're the only one who has said that, no one else has.

when you purchase something, do you not expect it to be fit for purpose ... and if it isn't, do you not complain?

Did you specifically pay to watch this program then?


I doubt I'm the only one thinking this, but if you have nothing of value to add to this; please, go away.

 

[Mojo]

Thanks everyone for not giving the story away! I haven't watched a single episode as I've been very busy in Jnr, but I've put them on Sky+ and have to watch all 10 hours this weekend! So far I've watched one hour & really enjoyed it.

Judging by the posts here, am I the only one to have assumed that the aerial shots were not to show the train he was on, merely that they existed to show the area surrounding the railway?

 

[Wyvern]

Well that's it folks, has a month really gone by? Next little series that, sometimes it did wonder off the railway interest, but a good little social history for those not aware of the 100 odd years of the domination of railways in this country.

New series next year apparently.

The point being it isnt about the railway but about Bradshaw's description of the surrounding area and how it has changed.

 

[Metroland]

I know, I'm just pointing out its not the programme for hard core spotters. If you like continuous shots of trains, with lots of detail on trains, it's not for you.

If you like travel, with a blend of social history aimed at a wider audience, then it is.

Personally I would not watch a show full of train number detail, I'd fall asleep. I didn't personally notice the lack of shot continuity and thought the programme and presenter was extremely good.

 

[jaybs]

Mojo, that observation rightly was far too obvious for those "anoraks" who see themselves above us mortal average people!

Good to see that the series will return in 2011 on BBC2 and will appeal and bring enjoyment to those that the few here look down on! how high and mighty some feel they are, I never see myself better than anyone, but the warm welcome to this website has put me off what could be an enjoyable forum, for the Many and not the few!

 

[Metroland]

Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't take the comments too much to heart, some people are obviously going to watch it for the trains interest (and there's nothing wrong with that) and would notice these things more than the average viewer that it was aimed it. The same as someone watching for the cars on top gear would notice a change between various types of vehicle.

Not entirely sure that makes them anoraks, it depends on one's personal view about what is important in the programme. Some enthusiasts I have spoken to do not like the programme, others love it. But it's not aimed at enthusiasts on their own, its aimed at the general viewer. Generally speaking most enthusiasts seem to have enjoyed it.

Contrary to popular opinion, very few enthusiasts go standing about on the end of platforms collecting numbers and rivet counting in general. Enthusiasts are a very diverse bunch from may different backgrounds and are interested in different aspects of the railway. To some it will be important that the trains themselves were not more central and the programme and the show will not appeal (and I don't think there's anything wrong with that) to others, such as myself, it's right up my street as I enjoy social history, travel and geography and the trains are just one aspect.

Personally was delighted the BBC have put on a programme that is informative on the effects of the railway on society, because to many born in the last 40 years they may be unaware and even surprised just how important they were and central they were to society. Our heritage is extremely important and part of our identity as a country, and the railway's contribution should not be forgotten in the development of this great nation.

 

[Bill EWS]

I have followed the series and enjoyed it very much. Obvioulsy from a retired drivers point of view I could pick holes in it very easily. However, the programme is not aimed at trainspotters but for everyone in general, many who don't now the difference between a locomotive and a train, even.

I did something similar back in the 70's, when by motorbike I followed a 1930's book about traveling around Scotland and the Isles and it was both interesting and educational to deliberately pick out the sites and places as described in the book and note the changes. This programme is doing the exact same thing but with the railway, but even better, it actually manages to go 'off' railway and look at the history of why and how these places began and were actually built up due to the coming of the railway and talk to the present day familes and individuals of those directly involved.

I'm afraid that if you are only going to view it from a trainspotters point of view you will always be disappointed. Surely, you couldn't expect every train to be followed from the air for the complete journey and over more than one day! Therefore, of course they are going to film different trains. It's a short film series, not a major film production. And as we know, even they never get railways quite right either.

I'm not particularly a Michael Patillo fan but I enjoyed what he was trying to do and how he did it and give him credit for that.

 

[General Zod]

No matter what the editorial flaws or the production drawbacks one thing that the program has highlighted is what a beautiful country we have and one which possess many hidden gems for exploration and enjoyment. I do hope that he has encouraged many to forgo flying abroad this summer and to sample and savour the delights which can be found closer to home.

 

[Mojo]

I've been watching the shows with a notepad on the sofa with me and I've been jotting down the places I'd like to visit. I've already got 12 places written down and I've only watched the first week so far!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

No matter what the editorial flaws or the production drawbacks one thing that the program has highlighted is what a beautiful country we have and one which possess many hidden gems for exploration and enjoyment. I do hope that he has encouraged many to forgo flying abroad this summer and to sample and savour the delights which can be found closer to home.

Here, here! It's about time we started being proud of our country and the delights we have to offer. Successive Governments, particularly this one, have tried to destroy what we've got, and so do many British people themselves but there is so much to do and see, whatever the weather (which isn't as bad in Britain as it is in some countries) we need to get out more. There are many British people (particularly those who live in regional cities) that have probably been abroad more times than they have been to London!

 

[Daimler]

Welcome to the forum. I wouldn't take the comments too much to heart, some people are obviously going to watch it for the trains interest (and there's nothing wrong with that) and would notice these things more than the average viewer that it was aimed it. The same as someone watching for the cars on top gear would notice a change between various types of vehicle.

Hmm. I considered using the Top Gear analogy myself, but I'm not sure it's entirely applicable - it would be worse still if Top Gear changed cars mid-way through a review!

Nonetheless, despite the sometimes shabby editing (not just changing trains mid-shot - my complaint was of showing a completely different region to the one he was supposed to be travelling through!), I enjoyed the series, particularly, I feel, the last week. Portillo seemed to get more into his element as he travelled more and more - perhaps he got more comfortable with the format of the show. Certainly, I found the segments on Coventry and the Birmingham area especially good.

 

[Astaroth]

Then don't watch it. Are you really having such difficulty grasping this concept?
I don't like Eastenders, but I don't sit watching it then complain about it afterwards.

If you go to a concert and don't like it, do you leave and forget about it, or do you sit though it all then go and whinge at others because it wasn't up to your standards?



You're the only one who has said that, no one else has.



Did you specifically pay to watch this program then?


I doubt I'm the only one thinking this, but if you have nothing of value to add to this; please, go away.

... and I've already stated my reasons for continuing to watch the programmes.

No, I don't watch programmes which I consider to be NOTHING but crap, such as the Eastenders you mention, but occasionally there is crap associated with something which is otherwise worth a look.

Perhaps, if those paying the licence tax (not for a specific programme, but as a legal requirement to watch ANY programme), voiced their opinions about the excreta with which they are so often presented, then we may be presented with less of it?

Until that point, I reserve my right to complain about the crap, and I wish you luck as you are so obviously happy to wallow in it.

 

[thefab444]

I regarded an episode for about 10 minutes, noted a distinct lack of emphasis on trains and far too much on social history. No disrespect to Portillo, he's a good presenter (much better than he was as an MP!), but I feel the name of the series was misleading. That said, if you like social history, I'm sure it was a very good programme.

If you want something more train related, Trainspotting is a very good programme, often repeated endlessly on Discovery Real Time, although the two series are getting a bit old now.

 

[jaybs]

I post on a lot of websites/forums, but how sad to read regular posters telling each other they are average people or don't come here, just because others may disagree. I always thought the idea of a forum was to be free to express personal opinions.

The series has been enjoyable and I understand has a good public response, I still stand by that it should have been called something like Bradshaw's Journeys, as great British train journeys did make it sound as if it was for train enthusiasts only.

Looking forward to the next series with Michael Portillo on BBC2 in 2011 and I'm sure it will entertain the majority of viewers, you can never please everyone!

 

[90019]

Perhaps, if those paying the licence tax (not for a specific programme, but as a legal requirement to watch ANY programme), voiced their opinions about the excreta with which they are so often presented, then we may be presented with less of it?

And in this case, it seems that most are perfectly happy about it.
No one else is complaining about it repeatedly.

Until that point, I reserve my right to complain about the crap, and I wish you luck as you are so obviously happy to wallow in it.

Despite what you seem to think, I'm enjoying the program very much. The fact that they don't show the same trains that he's on really doesn't bother me, because it's not the point of the program anyway.

Why don't you go complain to the BBC about it since it obviously annoys you so much?
Seriously, what do you expect to achieve by whinging about it on here?

 

[BlythPower]

I'm sure plenty of non-enthusiast viewers noticed the 'now it's a king, now it's pannier, now it's a king again' sequence in Devon. Also, anyone familiar with Coventry station will have noticed that Miguel's train from Bourneville to Coventry arrived from London (taking a very long way round, perhaps..?).

Having taken lots of stock (in both senses of the word) shots from the helicopter it surely wouldn't have taken much effort to line those up more closely with the trains that Micky travelled on?

 

[Astaroth]

And in this case, it seems that most are perfectly happy about it.
No one else is complaining about it repeatedly.



Despite what you seem to think, I'm enjoying the program very much. The fact that they don't show the same trains that he's on really doesn't bother me, because it's not the point of the program anyway.

Why don't you go complain to the BBC about it since it obviously annoys you so much?
Seriously, what do you expect to achieve by whinging about it on here?

... I've commented about the programme on relatively few occasions; mostly I've simply responded to attacks by you on my right to do so.

I might also point out that I have not been alone in observing the shortcomings of the programme, and that I have, of course, sent suitable feedback to the BBC regarding said shortcomings.

I find it interesting that you constantly refer to my comments/opinions as 'whinging' (your spelling), which is obviously intended to demean my opinions in some way. Ever thought that in attacking me, you are doing exactly what you are accusing me of doing? Nice one.

As to what I expect to achieve? I wasn't aware that I had to 'achieve' anything; I thought these things were merely intended to allow the expression of thoughts, ideas, opinions etc., and that is what I have done, when not defending my right to do so, of course.

However, in passing, I have to admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed pulling your strings on here, so perhaps that might be regarded as an achievement?

 

[Greenback]

Personally was delighted the BBC have put on a programme that is informative on the effects of the railway on society, because to many born in the last 40 years they may be unaware and even surprised just how important they were and central they were to society. Our heritage is extremely important and part of our identity as a country, and the railway's contribution should not be forgotten in the development of this great nation.

Exactly right. I am very interested in social history myself, and found the programme fascinating in that respect.

I'm not particularly a Michael Patillo fan but I enjoyed what he was trying to do and how he did it and give him credit for that.

Mrs Greenback loathes Michael Portillo and has only a passing interest in trains as a means of getting from A to B! Still, she said the programme was good!

No matter what the editorial flaws or the production drawbacks one thing that the program has highlighted is what a beautiful country we have and one which possess many hidden gems for exploration and enjoyment. I do hope that he has encouraged many to forgo flying abroad this summer and to sample and savour the delights which can be found closer to home.

I've been watching the shows with a notepad on the sofa with me and I've been jotting down the places I'd like to visit. I've already got 12 places written down and I've only watched the first week so far!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Here, here! It's about time we started being proud of our country and the delights we have to offer. Successive Governments, particularly this one, have tried to destroy what we've got, and so do many British people themselves but there is so much to do and see, whatever the weather (which isn't as bad in Britain as it is in some countries) we need to get out more. There are many British people (particularly those who live in regional cities) that have probably been abroad more times than they have been to London!

I've made a list of places to go as well! Including Matlock, Buxton, Totnes, Aylesbury and Coventry. Without the information in this series, I'd probably never have considered these places worth visiting!