Rail Report 13: On Track for the Eighties

This documentary sheds light on British Rail's (BR) commitment to innovation, focusing on a series of developments that transformed its businesses in the mid-20th century. The film covers various initiatives, such as upgrading freight facilities and services for new companies, as well as significant projects like the Bedford/St. Pancras electrification. We witness how paved track maintenance and permanent way improvements have revolutionized transportation infrastructure, along with the unveiling of Sealink's Galloway Princess and Seaspeed's SRN4, which set new standards for marine travel at the time. Lastly, we delve into the Research department's groundbreaking work on a magnetically levitated vehicle, a promising step towards shaping the future of rail transportation.