Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Discover the 2,000-year history of rail. From ancient Roman tracks to the massive Causey Arch , see how coal built a nation. Meet Richard Trevithick, the genius who turned high-pressure steam into the first locomotive to replace the horse.

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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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