Video Train Graveyard (1961)

M/Ss and C/Us of a rusty old steam engine Class N7/5 number 69647 moving slowly along a track and being guided into a shed. Commentator tells us "Here at Stratford works in East London, old locomotives are being cut up for scrap metal at the rate of 2 or 3 every week!" M/S inside the shed as the engine comes to a halt; panning left to show two men cutting up and dismantling Class N 7/3 number 69677 engine.

C/Us as one of the men in goggles uses an acetylene cutter to cut through some pipes at the end of the train. M/Ss of other men cutting various parts of the engines with burners; C/U of the pressure gauges on the engine; commentator says that, ironically, this 'train graveyard' is the place where some of these engines were actually built between 1921-28. They were replaced in North East London by an electric service, and over 50 engines are being converted into scrap.

M/Ss of the boiler of an engine being lifted off the main body with a crane; a man climbing up a ladder to the boiler of another engine, and opening the front to show the inside workings. He lights his burner and cuts off a number plate that will be saved for collectors.

M/Ss and C/Us of a man cutting through the axle of a huge wheel. M/S of the ladder climbing man cutting through the hinges of the boiler door, then signalling as it is moved away on a crane chain. Commentator tells of how the engines are no longer efficient for work but are too valuable to stand idle. The man cutting the wheel axle also signals as the wheel is lifted away by a crane. M/S of a group of wheels on axles as another set is lowered down by a crane.

M/S of an electric diesel train coming along the track and speeding past us. Commentator says "...sentiment is not allowed to stand in the way of progress - the age of steam is practically dead".

Note: See out takes on *PM0127* CP 317 CUTS .
FILM ID:127.03

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