TRACING THE RAILS ® - Series One: Episode One
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- čas přidán 29. 04. 2024
- Tracing the Rails ®: Series 1: Episode 1 S01E01 - The Steyning Line Revisited
Join us on a nostalgic journey along the historic Steyning Line, where past and present converge through vivid storytelling and stunning visuals. In this episode, we unearth the hidden tracks of time, exploring remnants and memories of the line that once connected Shoreham-by-Sea to Horsham. Covering the line from Shoreham by Sea Railway Station, up to The Old Toll Bridge.
What's Inside:
Aerial Revelations: Soar above the landscape with our drone footage, offering a unique vantage point of the surviving traces of the tracks in this railway documentary.
Heartfelt Narratives: Engage with moving interviews from former railway workers and local historians who bring the railway's vibrant past to life.
Visual Storytelling: Experience the power of historical cine films blended with modern enhancements, and graphical overlays that map out the railway’s route and its geographical context.
Tour what Remains: Be guided by Stephen Cranford’s insightful and clear narration, and Mike Jaimes' passion for transport, making history accessible and engaging for all ages and types.
Please have a look at:
our Website www.tracingtherails.com
our Facebook page / tracingtherails
our Instagram page / tracingtherails
Whether you're a railway enthusiast or a lover of local history, 'Tracing the Rails' provides a deep dive into the cultural and historical significance of the Steyning Line. This episode not only traces the physical remnants but also captures the spirit and impact of the railway on the communities along its path.
🔔 Subscribe for more fascinating explorations into railway history and don't forget to hit the like button if you enjoy our journey! - Zábava
Fantastic video, and what a trip down memory lane. I started as a box boy at Arundel Junction in 1965, had to walk along the line from Ford and over the river Arun to get to the box, if I was lucky a driver of a Littlehampton local would drop me off/ or pick me up at a nearby Home signal as my nearest station to home was Fishergate Halt. Worked overtime as a porter at Littlehampton or Ford, Ford had a third platform usually reserved for the Ford to Lttlehampton shuttle (for Ford Open Prison visitors). If I was lucky I'd go up into Ford box and help by opening the huge crossing gates that spanned the 3 lines into the station. Travelled on the Steyning line a few times before it closed to passengers. Can't wait to watch Ep2, great job. ...Drew
Thank you so much Drew and thank you for sharing your memories, what a life on the railway! We should have Episode Two ready for you in June! Lou, Producer.
Very good. As I live in Shoreham, I was aware of the line and have walked/cycled along the Downs Link but wasn't clear where the line came into the town. Thanks for visualising it.
Thanks for watching kerpow212! We had fun visualising it ourselves, especially the helicopter shots! Lou, Producer
Really enjoying this. I miss those old signalboxes. Particularly enjoyed the interview with ex-signalman Brian.
So pleased to hear it! We loved interviewing Brian on Shoreham station, and we're a big fan of the old signal boxes too, amazing engineering.
I lived on the Old Shoreham Road and I used to play on the single line at the section from Where the bridge was to the toll bridge. There were 3 railway cottages on thiis stretch of the line. We lived opposite the one about half way between bridge and toll bridge. happy days. Remember going to the Toll bridge crossing to get change for the electric meter,
What a lovely story. This stretch will be covered in episode 2. Thanks for watching!
love the steam train cue, genius! really fascinating episode, can't wait for them all, thank you for doing this so beautifully.
Our Director/editor Chris is a talented man - we too loved that magical cue. Lou
Used to love watching the man winding the wheel at Shoreham station when I was a little girl in the 1950s
Thanks for watching and yes, those were the days when the whole railway operation was a bit more interesting than today. Lou, Producer
Absolutley brilliant. I'm hooked. What a wonderful history lesson, beautiful camera work and so well presented. Can't wait for episode 2.
Thank you for your kind words
Brilliant … can’t wait for the next episode 👏
Thank you Rob. We are hard at work on Episode Two right now (Shoreham Toll Bridge to Bramber)! Hope to get that out to you in June. Lou
Well edited, researched and presented, really enjoyed this episode, can't wait for the next ones!
Thank you! Ep 2 should be out around the end of June.
Great watch very interesting, can't wait for the next 1
Thanks for watching Jacqui, we hope you will like Episode Two, out in June! Lou, Producer
This randomly appeared in my recommended videos feed, and I have to say I'm sure glad it did! The storytelling here is wonderful, and it really captures the history of a line that is no longer with us. Looking forward to the next episode already! 🙂
Aw, that's lovely to hear. We are delighted that you found us, and liked the episode. Please subscribe, if you'd be so kind. Ep should be released in a couple of months. Many thanks 😊
@stephencranford1102 Already subscribed, and also followed over on Instagram. In the meantime I'll also check out the Sidings series as well 🙂
@AndyCreepy27 thank you so much! 👍🏻
A really great start. I’m already hooked so have subscribed with notifications enabled! Thank you for doing this….John
John, you're very kind. Thank you very much. 😊
Thank you so much for watching John and for becoming a subscriber! We hope to release Episode Two in June. Lou, Producer
Brilliant production. Looking forward to future installments
Thank you so much. Not long for episode 2 we hope :) - Chris K - Director
I thoroughly enjoyed that! If only modern commercial television programmes were as informative. Thanks Stephen and the TTR team.
Thank you for your lovely feedback. The beauty of making our own TV, is that we can put in as much content as we feel justified, rather than being governed by schedules and running times.
Please subscribe to our channel, and you'll get to hear when the next segment is out!
So interesting. Thank you :)
Thank you for watching David!
This video leaves me flabbergasted at so many moments and I haven't even seen a full third of it! Absolutely fantastic! A feat for the eyes, ears and mind! From the footage, the immaculate timings and everything, just wow!
Thank you so much!
Gosh, amazing praise, thank you so much for watching us, we are glad you like it - Chris K - Director
Really interesting film...from both a local history viewpoint and as a railway enthusiast. Cheers Steve
Thank you Steve, we are so pleased you found it interesting.
Excellent professional quality documentary. Most enjoyable.
Thank you very much.
Very comprehensive and well worth waiting for. Thank you. Edward
Thank you for joining us Edward, we are so pleased it was worth the wait.
Very interesting, thanks very much 👍
Thank you Stuart and thank you for joining us!
enjoyed this looking forward to the next instalment
nicely done
was waiting for this since it was first teased a couple of months back and it was worth the wait
thanks again will keep ears to the ground and eyes on the notification icon for the next part
Glad you enjoyed it Mark, thanks for watching - Chris Kirk
Brilliant. Extremely well made and very interesting. Thank you.
Thank you very much, we are glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent - and I thought I knew everything about this line! First visit as a teenager, part of a Runabout Ticket route which covered the electrified triangle Three Bridges - Brighton - Littlehampton & back via Horsham - plus this steam operated link. A week's unlimited heavenly travel in the summer for less than £1 !
Thank you, David
Well presented Steve. We have both cycled the Downs Link. John and Louise.
Thank you very much, John and Louise!
Superb video graphics.
Thank you, we're proud of our talented video editor!
Bravo, Well Done.
Thank you so much, really glad you enjoyed it :)
Such a professional production and a great insight into our lost railways, I used to be a BR Signalman and worked many boxes from Epsom all the way down to Pulborough, lots of memories, looking forward to the next episode 👍
Thank you for your kind comments. We hope you'll like the remaining episodes.
A very enjoyable and informative piece. Thank you so much 👍
Thank you Elke!
This is why i too love you tube. Mainstream tv seems to be sadly lacking in information.
I hope you do an episode of the lost Brecon and Neath Railway
We will have to evaluate how successful series 1 is, and we can go from there. Please share with any enthusiasts you think might like it, and it'll all help! Many thanks. Stephen (presenter)
Well done Cranners. I absolutely loved this. I've always been fascinated with the line that once was.
Thank you very much for watching. Shouldn't be too long until part 2 is released.
Exceptionally well researched and presented …
Uniquely captivating for, railway geeks, locals, and just inquisitive people in general …
Thank you for making this …
Thank you very much!! Please subscribe so you can get alerts for the next episodes.
Wonderful video.
Thanks a lot for your work. Can't wait for the next one.
Thank you Eagle! We've had a lot of fun making this. Next one is well underway, should be ready for you in June. Lou
This video just popped up and thought i would take a look, im so pleased i did as my Mum now lives in Steyning so im a frequent visitor to that area. Stephen made it so interesting pointing out objects and areas that ive passed without realising. Looking forward to the next episode and Staying.
Thank you for your lovely comments. I'm pleased that you liked the programme! Please subscribe to ensure you get notified when the next episode is out. 😊
Brilliant production! A very interesting andf informative watch. Roll on episode two!
Thank you!
Wonderful! Brilliantly put together, and a joy to watch. I can't wait for the next episodes. Really well done all!!
Thank you very much, Mark. Please subscribe to the Tracing the Rails channel 🙏
The production in this was so impressive, so congratulations to the team for making such a great video! I really liked the very first scene - it was timed perfectly. The content, information and interviews were fantastic. You got some great insights from the former railway worker. Looking forward to the next stop along the line!
Thank you for your kind comments, Stephen. We are delighted that you liked it 😀
I agree, nicely produced and very informative. My only niggle is that the footage hasn't been de-interlaced for uploading, as you see all the jagged vertical edges when movement is present, be that camera panning, or subject.
Congratulations Lou very informative about our local history and the heritage of the local railway, pity we didn't get a glimpse of our artwork at Amberley Station 😊 I will send this link to my son Christian British Transport Police... Really enjoyed it
Roses, thank you so much for watching and commenting! Back at Amberley filming a segment on ye olde printing methods for another episode soon so will look out for the artwork. xx
Amberley have been incredibly helpful during the making of this. Cannot thank them enough! Will have to see whether we can sneak the artwork in to a later episode when we're there, depending on the director, of course! 😉
Worth the wait👍🤠👍
Glad to hear it persevere777! Thanks for watching.
This was excellent. As a Shoreham resident is was emotionally and geographically very close to home!
Thank you for watching, I'm pleased you liked the episode
This line was scheduled for electrification in the early 50s.
I didn't know that! I know that DEMUs took over after steam, but interesting as to why the electrification never happened. I must look into that!
Yes it was, we have the electrification notice! Electrification would have cost a huge amount of money so it was a big factor in the closure of the line. Lou, Producer
Really well presented- thanks.
Thank you
Thank you for this day’s video. A fabulous trek into the past. I used to go the UK in the 1990’s through 2001. I suffer from ALS, which means I cannot get back the UK to re walk this trek this gentleman walked this day. Puts a smile on my face, which a rarity today. Subscription to this video, will guarantee I could view it from a IPad. Cheers to the social trekker this day! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸
Martin, thank you so much for watching, and for your kind comments. It's a shame you can't get back to the UK to do this walk in person... I shall be proud to do it on your behalf and share my findings for you. Stay tuned!
@@stephencranford1102 That’s a deal, Sir! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸
Excellent production, informative and very professional. Looking forward to the next one. Be great if you could do an episode on the Nicky Line between Hemel Hempstead and Harpenden
Thank you so much. Let's see how popular series 1 is, we can then evaluate where to go next!
Thank you @zozoa1 & who knows where future series could take us! Actually we've had a lot of people make suggestions, it could be a lifes work project. Lou, Producer
Well this is fantastic, informative and well presented. I cannot wait for part 2. 😊
Thanks very much, Rob
Great fun and Dumpman Films was delighted to be part of it, very much looking forward to future episodes.
We were very grateful for the contribution. Thanks again!
Thanks for all your support and encouragement Chris. Great fun doing these things collaboratively.
great work Dumpman
Very good...look forward to the 2nd episode
Thank you James, we're well underway with Episode Two and hope to have that ready for June. Lou
Back in my railway employment days in the early 90s on the South Coast. I learnt a lot from Tony Fish who started his railway career in Steyning booking office in the 1960s.
I wonder if we'll hear more of Tony Fish when we make the Steyning Episode?
An excellent broadcast quality production. To paraphrase BBC output designed to Inform, Educate and Entertain. Does all those. Thank you.
That's very kind, thank you so much.
Wow, thank you!
A great watch…. Brilliantly done! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much, you are very kind. Episode 2 will be out end of July if you fancied watching that too ;)
Also just realised, you are our friend from the high street! Hiya Tanya, big hugs, Chris and Lou
This is how a railway programme should be informative and knowledgeable. Channel 4 and 5 or one of the satellite channels should be biting your arms off.
What a lovely comment, if only we could make it happen!! #startapetition.
the tracks by red lion pub were moved when ripped up the track and relocated at the side of lever crossing toll Bridge. I remember the railway up to the works as kid .should never closed would make a good connection to hosham and london these days poor forward thinking
I personally agree with you, but our wonderful presenter Steve does like to challenge my thinking and has a perspective that "what might have happened to all the lovely little villages on the line if it were still there" would they have all become like Haywards Heath did for example. The thing we love the most is how polarizing it is. There is no right or wrong, but everyone has strong feelings about it. Thank you for watching us, we are very grateful - Director _ Chris
Thank you for watching Andy and yes, it's a shame the railway has gone. I imagine it would be very similar to the line from Arundel up to London. Short sighted from the point of sustainable transport but I think there would be a lot more houses in the villages if the railway had survived as a commuter route. Lou, Producer
Really very good look at a ine that was, and would make a quicker diversion route if it still existed. I lived in Seaford as a teenager, and was saddened by the closure of the Lewes to Uckfield line for easy access to boating at Barcombe MIlls. Then there was the Lewes to Sheffield Park (and on to East Grinstead) line. Also the line between Lewes and Eridge via Hailsham. There were also the LInes from Brighton to Kemptown, while Newhaven to Seaford trains once stopped at Tidemills (once called Bishopstone Beach Halt?). In the First World War there was a Naval Air Station for Seaplanes at Tidemills, traces of which still survive half buried under the beach shingle. The art deco station at Bishopstone itself had a pill box built into the top of it from which machine guns could cover the entire Seaford Bay to Newhaven during World War Two. I joined British Railways in 1986 and retired from Southern in 2009 - happy days. Maybe you could sometime do a feature on the Brighton - Uckfield - Seaford - Eridge lines as they once were compared to today?
Gosh, first off, we are very flattered that you would trust us to do that. Secondly, we have all got a taste for these now, but literally do it part time, so it could be years before e even got to those lines. But I tell you this... we do really want to! I am always fascinated by the tunnels in Kemptown Brighton and the line that ran up to Hangleton too. There are so many to chose from! Perhaps we should do a few little specials every now and again.
@@tracingtherails A few short specials would be great. Meantime, I look forward to Ep.2!
YOU'VE EVEN GOT A THEME SONG OMGGGG
I know right! We got very lucky there. A very talented singer in the US offered to do the song for us and we love it :) Thanks for noticing - Chris K - Director
What a well made professionally presented historically packed episode, looking forward to the second episode. Well done to all concerned.😊
Thank you for your lovely comments. Work is well underway for part 2, which we hope will be released at the end of June.
@@stephencranford1102 Will look forward to it.
Big time SR fan here (started spotting at Clapham Junction in 1958). This is wonderful storytelling. Thank you so much for doing this.
Thank you for your lovely comments.
very informative and worthy video.
Thank you!
Really enjoyed it. So much attention to detail, not sure about the music choices though.
Thanks for watching saferroadsuk. We commissioned a lot of sample tracks for the film - it was very hard to choose from them all and we knew we couldn't please everyone so picked the ones we thought worked best. . Lou Producer.
I hear you, it's just my opinion, others most likely disagree with me.
@@saferroadsuk We are just very grateful you watched it and took time to comment - thank you, genuinely appreciated
Awesome video!
Thank you!
Wow !! where do i start : Stephens reassuring delivery, co presenters great clips,amazing production work and excellent now and then clips, As a rider of the Downs link it was great to see the route as it was, Thank you
Thank you for watching it Andrew, and for all comments above, we are so pleased you enjoyed it. We loved making it. And now are onto Episode Two, Shoreham Toll Bridge to Bramber, which we hope to release in June. Lou, Producer
It was a real pleasure to make and a further pleasure to start getting out into the community proper and meeting the actual people that use the Downslink or remember the line how it used to be. We are loving making these and that people are enjoying watching them. Thank you and spread the word ;) - Chris - Director
@@loupartridge4803 Thank you i was impressed with the way it looked i swapped the view onto my tv
@@tracingtherails thank you i look forward to the next episode i learnt so much from this one ,pleased to see the developer gave you access to their site , made we want ride out there soon
Ah. Shoreham by Sea was my local station for around 28 years
Do you miss it? Have fond memories? I am guessing you have moved?
Yes I'm in the Midlands now and I really do miss it. My mum still lives there so I have an excuse to visit though. Lots of good disused railways up here though. The GCR, the Midland Counties, the old Market Harborough line and the old Lezmington line.
I did used to work with both Mike Jaimes and Chris Kirk though.
Very glad you still get to visit! We have had a few people suggesting other railway lines to us, its very flattering, but we would have to start the research all over again, which could be a challenge. Thanks for being part of it :)
Cranford doing a cracking job
Thank you. 😊
Many years ago I received a DVD as part of a partwork called British Steam Railways. It was an interesting DVD about the Steyning Line called The Lost Railway. However your programme goes into deeper detail about the infrastructure and is all the more educative as a result. As someone who lives hundreds of miles away (near Edinburgh) where we have a plethora of closed lines I found your programme both informative and entertaining and look forward to watching further programmes. One question though, are you concentrating on the southern area of England or featuring lines from other areas? Either way I'll look forward to more programmes. On a personal level I found it interesting as my late Father In Law was born in Shoreham and stayed in this area at the end of WW2 when his army service came to an end.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments.
We are pleased you enjoyed it, even though you're far from local!
Series 1 is based in West Sussex, mainly because its local to the production team and me, too!!
But we have had a lot of interest, and if we managed to get funding, we would certainly consider travelling further afield to cover more of the UK.
I went on the last train from Partridge Green to Hove with my mum .
That's fabulous! Might you want to be featured in future episodes?
If so, email info@tracingtherails.com 😊
Brilliant video. I wondered if you could come up with new stuff compared to the old video that was made about the line but you have managed it - well done. Will be watching out for the next one. Love the path by the river - we walk it often. When I was younger and fitter I did a few charity bike rides from Bramley to Shoreham so interested in the whole line. With regard to the final on lifting of the Southern section my memory (which could be wrong!) is that it was lifted twice (ie put back and lifted again) presumably because that was some sort of training exercise. Keep up the good work.
High praise, especially from somebody who knows the area so well, thank you very much for taking time to let us know. I am also very glad we managed to find a few surprises too, we are aiming to do that in each episode. Really grateful for your comments - thank you - Chris Kirk - Director
Watched twice now lol. When is episode 2 out? X
Aw, thank you! Ep2 is well underway, we hope it'll be ready at the end of June.
Interesting video. I’d love to know how you got the green line to move or ‘creep’ on the map at the beginning. I’ve been wanting to do that for ages, but I just can’t work out how to do it.
I cant take the credit for that either, been working with a wonderful animator collaboratively and they produced the timeline for us as well. Credit to Mukti there!
@@tracingtherails So how do you do it?
@@nigelkthomas9501We aren't sure how it was done. The animation was by a guy called Mukti Arip. We just told him what we were after and he created it for us. Sorry I can't be more help. 😞
@@mikejaimes45 OK.
The shot features a line animation layered over a collection of map screenshots. Following Director Chris's instructions, I animated the camera movement. Blender 3D was the software used.
14.55: In 1841 the most direct route wasn't by "ferry" from Shoreham, but by "packet" from the Royal Suspension Chain Pier in Brighton.
Hoping we can see Episode 2 soon? 🚂🚂
It's due to be released by the end of July. Just one short sequence to film and then the remaining post production. Thank you for your interest!
@@stephencranford1102 Looking forward to it!
I miss the old gates and box, WHS booth, far prettier!
Yes, so do we Kevin, everything was much nicer to look at back then.
Not "London and Brighton South Coast Railway" 11:50. "London, Brighton & South Coast Railway". The badge shown immediately afterwards shows this quite clearly
49:08 the overside of the bridge pier was demolished in 2018 when the new housing estate was being built not the 1980’s only the top of the bridge was removed in the 1980’s
It’s still there on the Google street view in 2017 and gone in 2018 when the new housing was being built.
Thank you for letting us know, all adds to the research - appreciated.
Sorry but why not mention that the line went to Horsham with connection to London etc? Getting to Horsham and Dorking area from Brighton now is much slower. Also the Downslink is not a footpath. It is a bridleway. How many more errors are there going to be in this program?
Maybe I jumped the gun a bit. Got to the Horsham part now. Whoops 😅!
Oh dear how embarrassing😂 This is a superb history lesson. Going to watch the lot! ❤
Thank you! Ep1 was only the introduction. There will be 6 parts in all.
Well written and presented but FAR too long. Takes them 75 min to cover about two miles. Much too long for the general viewer and a bit basic for the rail enthusiast. Repetitive- we were told about five times where signal box B was- and the presenter never uses two words where twenty will do. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I wish them well with it, but some serious editing is needed.
Thank you for the feedback, always good to know peoples thoughts and where we could do better.
My thoughts entirely. The term "over-engineered" passed through my mind at one point.