Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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The 1850s Railway Mania sparked a social revolution, transforming quiet coastlines into engineered resorts like Saltburn. In this video we dive into the physics of water-balanced tramways, the logistics of standardised time, and how rail competition evolved travel from cold coaches to luxury palaces.

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The series explores the history of railways over the past four centuries, from their earliest origins in the North East of England. In which they were first used to transport coal, to the present day, where they are set to play a pivotal role in the Maglev project. Each episode dives into the history of the iron road, exploring the visionaries, engineering triumphs, and political battles that have shaped its development, destruction, and reinvention.

This film was first broadcast: 1999

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