Original subtitles

Join us on a voyage of discovery...

Join us on a voyage of discovery...

..as we follow the most spectacular steam train journeys in Britain

..as we follow the most spectacular steam train journeys in Britain

..as we follow the most spectacular steam train journeys in Britain

from above.

We'll showcase these machines in all their glory,

We'll showcase these machines in all their glory,

travelling through the most breathtaking landscape

travelling through the most breathtaking landscape

the country has to offer...

..the North Yorkshire Moors...

the Highlands of Scotland...

..the rolling hills of Somerset

..the rolling hills of Somerset

and Snowdonia,

and Snowdonia,

known today as Eryri.

Our trains are time travellers...

Our trains are time travellers...

..transporting us back to the golden age of steam

..transporting us back to the golden age of steam

..transporting us back to the golden age of steam

to unravel the truth

about Britain's Great Railway Revolution.

about Britain's Great Railway Revolution.

Sit back...

..soak up the scenery

and enjoy all the romance and the thrill

and enjoy all the romance and the thrill

of a steam train journey

of a steam train journey

like you've never seen it before.

like you've never seen it before.

In the time before Britain's Great Railway Revolution,

In the time before Britain's Great Railway Revolution,

most people did not travel beyond their village...

most people did not travel beyond their village...

..because the only way to get around...

..because the only way to get around...

..was to walk...

..or if you were wealthy,

..or if you were wealthy,

to go by horse.

But then, George Stephenson invents a new form of transport

But then, George Stephenson invents a new form of transport

But then, George Stephenson invents a new form of transport

that changed everything...

..the steam railway.

It changed our idea of distance,

It changed our idea of distance,

our understanding of geography

our understanding of geography

and our conception of time...

and our conception of time...

..and it unleashed a technology revolution...

..and it unleashed a technology revolution...

..that the corporate tycoons of today are still pursuing.

..that the corporate tycoons of today are still pursuing.

To unravel all of this...

..we are following the West Somerset Railway.

..we are following the West Somerset Railway.

From the countryside to the coast,

From the countryside to the coast,

a magnificent steam train is about to tell an extraordinary tale...

a magnificent steam train is about to tell an extraordinary tale...

a magnificent steam train is about to tell an extraordinary tale...

..of human ambition and wild vision...

..of human ambition and wild vision...

..of grand success and dramatic failure.

..of grand success and dramatic failure.

It's the story of the greatest tech giant of the age...

It's the story of the greatest tech giant of the age...

..and the engineer of this remarkable railway...

..and the engineer of this remarkable railway...

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel...

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel...

..the mastermind of the world's first high-speed railway...

..the mastermind of the world's first high-speed railway...

..the mastermind of the world's first high-speed railway...

..and some of the first steam ships to conquer the Atlantic.

..and some of the first steam ships to conquer the Atlantic.

His iconic structures are often seen as the building blocks

His iconic structures are often seen as the building blocks

His iconic structures are often seen as the building blocks

of the modern world.

But the real story is very different.

But the real story is very different.

Steaming through Somerset's green and pleasant land,

Steaming through Somerset's green and pleasant land,

the train is about to uncover the mystery,

the train is about to uncover the mystery,

the complexity,

and the controversy

and the controversy

of the man who was determined to become a great hero

of the man who was determined to become a great hero

of the man who was determined to become a great hero

of the Victorian Age.

But, desperate for fame,

But, desperate for fame,

charismatic, convincing and a maniacal workaholic,

charismatic, convincing and a maniacal workaholic,

charismatic, convincing and a maniacal workaholic,

would Brunel's unique personality ultimately lead to his demise?

would Brunel's unique personality ultimately lead to his demise?

would Brunel's unique personality ultimately lead to his demise?

Brunel is revered for the world-famous

Brunel is revered for the world-famous

Clifton Suspension Bridge.

When it was built,

it was the highest and longest bridge in the world.

it was the highest and longest bridge in the world.

But the engineering feat for which Brunel is best known

But the engineering feat for which Brunel is best known

turns out to be one he never completed at all.

turns out to be one he never completed at all.

The single span stretches for over 200m...

The single span stretches for over 200m...

..at a height of 75m.

..at a height of 75m.

Using the cutting-edge technology of the time,

Using the cutting-edge technology of the time,

the bridge is suspended from giant metal chains

the bridge is suspended from giant metal chains

between two towers.

Brunel called it "my first child"

Brunel called it "my first child"

and it encapsulates his approach,

and it encapsulates his approach,

"Think big and dare to be different."

"Think big and dare to be different."

Brunel had begun his career building a tunnel

Brunel had begun his career building a tunnel

and he was a fanatical worker,

and he was a fanatical worker,

sometimes spending up to 36 hours underground

sometimes spending up to 36 hours underground

in a single stretch.

At the age of 23,

At the age of 23,

with no experience of building bridges,

with no experience of building bridges,

Brunel decides to enter a competition to design one

Brunel decides to enter a competition to design one

to cross the Avon Gorge in Bristol.

to cross the Avon Gorge in Bristol.

After his first design is deemed unsafe,

After his first design is deemed unsafe,

he uses his charisma and charm to win the jury round.

he uses his charisma and charm to win the jury round.

And despite never being responsible for engineering a bridge,

And despite never being responsible for engineering a bridge,

his design is declared the winner.

his design is declared the winner.

But as we shall see, it's not the end of the story.

But as we shall see, it's not the end of the story.

Meanwhile...

ANNOUNCER:Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.

..deep in the heart of Somerset...

Welcome to the West Somerset Railway.

..it's early spring

and Bishops Lydeard Station is a hive of activity.

and Bishops Lydeard Station is a hive of activity.

and Bishops Lydeard Station is a hive of activity.

Here on platform two will be the first departure of the day.

Here on platform two will be the first departure of the day.

As passengers arrive,

a magnificent locomotive is being shunted into place...

a magnificent locomotive is being shunted into place...

..ready for its journey to uncover the man

..ready for its journey to uncover the man

behind the engineering masterpieces.

behind the engineering masterpieces.

Brunel was an extraordinary character,

Brunel was an extraordinary character,

a maverick genius whose unbridled ambition

a maverick genius whose unbridled ambition

led him to a grand vision...

led him to a grand vision...

..to shrink the world.

George Stephenson had already created some of the world's first railways...

George Stephenson had already created some of the world's first railways...

George Stephenson had already created some of the world's first railways...

..but Brunel believed he could take them further and faster

..but Brunel believed he could take them further and faster

..but Brunel believed he could take them further and faster

than ever before.

Brunel's first railway was the fastest of its day...

Brunel's first railway was the fastest of its day...

..and his Great Western Railway

..and his Great Western Railway

still carries modern high-speed trains.

still carries modern high-speed trains.

Brunel's racetrack of iron broke the world land speed record

Brunel's racetrack of iron broke the world land speed record

Brunel's racetrack of iron broke the world land speed record

and cut the journey time from London to Bristol

and cut the journey time from London to Bristol

from two-and-a-half days

to two-and-a-half hours.

When one of Brunel's contemporaries

When one of Brunel's contemporaries

expressed concern at the length of the line,

expressed concern at the length of the line,

the great engineer replied,

"Why not make it longer

"and have a steamboat go from Bristol to New York

"and have a steamboat go from Bristol to New York

"and call it The Great Western?"

"and call it The Great Western?"

And that's just what he set out to do.

And that's just what he set out to do.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is the final call.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is the final call.

But why did a man who was obsessed with his plan to shrink the world

But why did a man who was obsessed with his plan to shrink the world

But why did a man who was obsessed with his plan to shrink the world

bother himself with the minutiae of a rural branch line?

bother himself with the minutiae of a rural branch line?

bother himself with the minutiae of a rural branch line?

Any passengers wishing to travel on this service

Any passengers wishing to travel on this service

if you could board the train as soon as possible, please.

if you could board the train as soon as possible, please.

The steam train's journey begins.

The steam train's journey begins.

After he experienced Britain's first railways, Brunel said,

After he experienced Britain's first railways, Brunel said,

"The time is not far off

"when we shall be able to take our coffee and write,

"when we shall be able to take our coffee and write,

"while going noiselessly and smoothly at 45mph.

"while going noiselessly and smoothly at 45mph.

"while going noiselessly and smoothly at 45mph.

"Let me try."

It's a typically adventurous and forward-thinking response...

It's a typically adventurous and forward-thinking response...

..and when Brunel did try...

..the result

..the result

was spectacular.

As part of the Great Western Railway,

As part of the Great Western Railway,

Brunel wanted to extend his line into the South West of Britain

Brunel wanted to extend his line into the South West of Britain

Brunel wanted to extend his line into the South West of Britain

to create a vast network of branch lines

to create a vast network of branch lines

that, he wrote, "would monopolise all the West."

that, he wrote, "would monopolise all the West."

The West Somerset Railway was just one part of his master plan.

The West Somerset Railway was just one part of his master plan.

Today, it starts at Bishops Lydeard

Today, it starts at Bishops Lydeard

and travels north.

After meeting the Bristol Channel...

..the line runs along the coast to the harbour at Watchet.

..the line runs along the coast to the harbour at Watchet.

For 1,000 years,

Watchet had been engaged in a battle with its coastal neighbours

Watchet had been engaged in a battle with its coastal neighbours

to be crowned the principal port along the Bristol Channel.

to be crowned the principal port along the Bristol Channel.

to be crowned the principal port along the Bristol Channel.

By the mid-19th century, Watchet's entrepreneurs

By the mid-19th century, Watchet's entrepreneurs

had failed to secure the funds for a railway many times.

had failed to secure the funds for a railway many times.

had failed to secure the funds for a railway many times.

So, they turned to a charismatic charmer

So, they turned to a charismatic charmer

to get the project off the ground.

to get the project off the ground.

They believed Brunel's reputation would be decisive

They believed Brunel's reputation would be decisive

in raising the capital for a railway.

They hoped it would realise the lucrative potential of the local iron ore

They hoped it would realise the lucrative potential of the local iron ore

They hoped it would realise the lucrative potential of the local iron ore

and win their age-old battle with their neighbouring ports.

and win their age-old battle with their neighbouring ports.

And on the journey to Watchet,

we'll discover if they were right.

we'll discover if they were right.

The locomotive steaming into the countryside

The locomotive steaming into the countryside

is a 20th-century descendant of the engines of Brunel's day...

is a 20th-century descendant of the engines of Brunel's day...

..and it showcases how he designed his railways

..and it showcases how he designed his railways

for gentlemen and ladies

as a fast and comfortable mode of transport

as a fast and comfortable mode of transport

for the upper classes.

In order to achieve this,

he built his railway much wider than ever before

he built his railway much wider than ever before

on his so-called broad gauge.

on his so-called broad gauge.

He also chose scenic routes

He also chose scenic routes

so railways could appear like they're travelling through the great estates

so railways could appear like they're travelling through the great estates

so railways could appear like they're travelling through the great estates

surrounding grand country houses.

He carefully planned gradients

to make the route as level and as straight as possible

to make the route as level and as straight as possible

for high-speed travel.

And he wanted large, powerful and fast locomotives

And he wanted large, powerful and fast locomotives

whose large wheels give a more balanced ride

whose large wheels give a more balanced ride

and large rolling stock with a low centre of gravity

and large rolling stock with a low centre of gravity

to make them more stable,

especially at top speed.

especially at top speed.

On a platform next to the railway

On a platform next to the railway

lies this short section of Brunel's broad-gauge track.

lies this short section of Brunel's broad-gauge track.

The seven feet and a quarter inches between the rails

The seven feet and a quarter inches between the rails

were one-and-a-half times as wide as the standard gauge,

were one-and-a-half times as wide as the standard gauge,

were one-and-a-half times as wide as the standard gauge,

and the sleepers didn't run across the track

and the sleepers didn't run across the track

but directly underneath the rails.

but directly underneath the rails.

But the railway no longer runs on the broad gauge...

But the railway no longer runs on the broad gauge...

..and later, we'll discover what that tells us

..and later, we'll discover what that tells us

about the real Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

about the real Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Next...

..how did Brunel's quest to conquer and control new railway territory

..how did Brunel's quest to conquer and control new railway territory

..how did Brunel's quest to conquer and control new railway territory

spark The Gauge War...

..and what would it mean for the future

..and what would it mean for the future

of the West Somerset Railway?

of the West Somerset Railway?

Deep in Somerset...

..we're following a railway

that's taking us back

more than 150 years.

more than 150 years.

It's a journey that tells the story of the railway revolution...

It's a journey that tells the story of the railway revolution...

..and uncovers the mind of the most celebrated engineer of his time...

..and uncovers the mind of the most celebrated engineer of his time...

..and uncovers the mind of the most celebrated engineer of his time...

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

By the 1850s,

Brunel's unwavering ambition to push the boundaries of engineering

Brunel's unwavering ambition to push the boundaries of engineering

Brunel's unwavering ambition to push the boundaries of engineering

was landing many of his projects in financial trouble.

was landing many of his projects in financial trouble.

He wrote in his diary...

"So many irons and none of them hot."

"So many irons and none of them hot."

20 years on from winning the competition,

20 years on from winning the competition,

Clifton Suspension Bridge was still not built

Clifton Suspension Bridge was still not built

and had stalled due to a lack of funds.

and had stalled due to a lack of funds.

The Great Western Railway had gone wildly over budget

The Great Western Railway had gone wildly over budget

from a cost of £300 million

from a cost of £300 million

to 700 million in today's money...

to 700 million in today's money...

..and the fear was the same lack of concern

..and the fear was the same lack of concern

for the financial viability of his projects

for the financial viability of his projects

would affect the West Somerset Railway.

would affect the West Somerset Railway.

The train has embarked on a four-mile-climb

The train has embarked on a four-mile-climb

towards the summit of the railway.

towards the summit of the railway.

It's a place with a surprising tale to tell

It's a place with a surprising tale to tell

about the rise to fame of Britain's greatest pop group.

about the rise to fame of Britain's greatest pop group.

On the 2nd of March 1964,

On the 2nd of March 1964,

a special charter train travelled along this very railway...

a special charter train travelled along this very railway...

..carrying John, Paul, George and Ringo...

..carrying John, Paul, George and Ringo...

..as Beatlemania swept across Britain.

..as Beatlemania swept across Britain.

What happened when the Beatles reached the high point of the railway

What happened when the Beatles reached the high point of the railway

What happened when the Beatles reached the high point of the railway

has gone down in pop music folklore.

has gone down in pop music folklore.

To make the West Somerset Railway project credible,

To make the West Somerset Railway project credible,

Brunel sought to convince investors that it could be built in three years

Brunel sought to convince investors that it could be built in three years

Brunel sought to convince investors that it could be built in three years

for a budget of £12 million in today's money.

for a budget of £12 million in today's money.

But in practice, his determination

But in practice, his determination

to stick to his idealistic vision of a broad-gauge railway

to stick to his idealistic vision of a broad-gauge railway

to stick to his idealistic vision of a broad-gauge railway

meant that if his rails were one-and-a-half times as wide,

meant that if his rails were one-and-a-half times as wide,

his embankments were taller,

his cuttings were deeper,

his bridges were wider,

and the railway, a financial headache.

and the railway, a financial headache.

In addition, there was another obstacle,

In addition, there was another obstacle,

landowners demanding excessive sums for their land

landowners demanding excessive sums for their land

before any building work could begin.

before any building work could begin.

Meanwhile, the train is approaching the railway's first station,

Meanwhile, the train is approaching the railway's first station,

Meanwhile, the train is approaching the railway's first station,

Crowcombe Heathfield...

..and in Crowcombe village nearby, there's an impressive country manor

..and in Crowcombe village nearby, there's an impressive country manor

..and in Crowcombe village nearby, there's an impressive country manor

that harks back to a dispute

Brunel was having with a rich local landowner.

Brunel was having with a rich local landowner.

Crowcombe Court was the seat of Captain Carew.

Crowcombe Court was the seat of Captain Carew.

Once revered as one of the finest houses in Somerset,

Once revered as one of the finest houses in Somerset,

its owner, Captain Carew, had more than enough money

its owner, Captain Carew, had more than enough money

to stand his ground with Brunel.

Brunel was already at loggerheads with the Lethbridges,

Brunel was already at loggerheads with the Lethbridges,

who were asking for £450 per acre,

who were asking for £450 per acre,

four times what was considered to be a normal price.

four times what was considered to be a normal price.

Captain Carew wanted over £2,000 for his land.

Captain Carew wanted over £2,000 for his land.

As the disputes rumbled on for month after month,

As the disputes rumbled on for month after month,

construction work could not even begin.

construction work could not even begin.

What made life worse for Brunel

What made life worse for Brunel

was his plan to start building the line at this long cutting,

was his plan to start building the line at this long cutting,

just outside Crowcombe Heathfield Station.

just outside Crowcombe Heathfield Station.

It's a tradition of Victorian railway engineering

It's a tradition of Victorian railway engineering

that building begins by digging a cutting to create the spoil

that building begins by digging a cutting to create the spoil

that building begins by digging a cutting to create the spoil

to build an embankment.

The problem was Captain Carew owned the land.

The problem was Captain Carew owned the land.

Brunel's motto was

"Never despair."

But this meant he was not prepared to compromise his vision.

But this meant he was not prepared to compromise his vision.

With an act of Parliament behind him,

With an act of Parliament behind him,

Brunel imposed compulsory purchase orders on the landowners,

Brunel imposed compulsory purchase orders on the landowners,

Brunel imposed compulsory purchase orders on the landowners,

but at a very high cost.

but at a very high cost.

The future of the West Somerset Railway

The future of the West Somerset Railway

was thrown into jeopardy.

Passing through Carew's cutting,

the train glides into Crowcombe Heathfield Station.

the train glides into Crowcombe Heathfield Station.

The Beatles were so popular that they'd get mobbed everywhere.

The Beatles were so popular that they'd get mobbed everywhere.

So, the remote spot was ideal for filmmakers

So, the remote spot was ideal for filmmakers

to capitalise on their fame by recording their first movie.

to capitalise on their fame by recording their first movie.

to capitalise on their fame by recording their first movie.

Ringo had come up with the title A Hard Day's Night,

Ringo had come up with the title A Hard Day's Night,

recalling a tough all-night studio session

recalling a tough all-night studio session

and as the film crew had set out to record

and as the film crew had set out to record

a fictionalised typical day in the life of the group,

a fictionalised typical day in the life of the group,

the train stopped here

to record one of the most memorable moments in the film.

to record one of the most memorable moments in the film.

A Hard Day's Night succeeded

in establishing the cheeky confidence of the four Beatles

in establishing the cheeky confidence of the four Beatles

and helped to boost the massive industry that built up around them.

and helped to boost the massive industry that built up around them.

Within a decade, the Fab Four had sold 21 million records in the UK

Within a decade, the Fab Four had sold 21 million records in the UK

Within a decade, the Fab Four had sold 21 million records in the UK

and many millions more worldwide...

and many millions more worldwide...

..and their journey on this railway

..and their journey on this railway

was a stepping stone to becoming global superstars.

was a stepping stone to becoming global superstars.

As the train restarts its grand adventure

As the train restarts its grand adventure

through the Somerset countryside...

..it leaves behind some fascinating remains of Brunel's railway.

..it leaves behind some fascinating remains of Brunel's railway.

..it leaves behind some fascinating remains of Brunel's railway.

This short section of broad-gauge track,

This short section of broad-gauge track,

one-and-a-half times as wide as the standard gauge,

one-and-a-half times as wide as the standard gauge,

illustrates Brunel's determination to be different.

illustrates Brunel's determination to be different.

He said, "When I have formed a decided opinion...

He said, "When I have formed a decided opinion...

"no fear of the consequences ever prevents my expressing it."

"no fear of the consequences ever prevents my expressing it."

And the train is about to discover

how his obsession with his broad-gauge vision

how his obsession with his broad-gauge vision

led him into a battle with his railway rival,

led him into a battle with his railway rival,

led him into a battle with his railway rival,

known as The Gauge War.

It wasn't fought with soldiers and guns,

It wasn't fought with soldiers and guns,

but iron and steam...

..between Brunel and George Stephenson's son, Robert.

..between Brunel and George Stephenson's son, Robert.

..between Brunel and George Stephenson's son, Robert.

Stephenson's 4ft, 8.5in gauge,

Stephenson's 4ft, 8.5in gauge,

was based on the width of wagons pulled by horses

was based on the width of wagons pulled by horses

in the collieries of North East England.

in the collieries of North East England.

Brunel's vision was to have a new gauge for a new technology...

Brunel's vision was to have a new gauge for a new technology...

Brunel's vision was to have a new gauge for a new technology...

..to replace horses with steam.

..to replace horses with steam.

But he didn't properly consider the consequences

But he didn't properly consider the consequences

of his gauge's incompatibility with lines already built elsewhere.

of his gauge's incompatibility with lines already built elsewhere.

of his gauge's incompatibility with lines already built elsewhere.

The truth is that Brunel's jealousy of Stephenson's success

The truth is that Brunel's jealousy of Stephenson's success

The truth is that Brunel's jealousy of Stephenson's success

was part of his conviction to take a radically different approach

was part of his conviction to take a radically different approach

to railway engineering.

Brunel himself conceded in his diary

Brunel himself conceded in his diary

that his weakness was "my self-conceit and love of glory."

that his weakness was "my self-conceit and love of glory."

that his weakness was "my self-conceit and love of glory."

So, when the steam train reaches the coast,

So, when the steam train reaches the coast,

we'll discover that The Gauge War had only one winner.

we'll discover that The Gauge War had only one winner.

we'll discover that The Gauge War had only one winner.

Next...

..the train arrives at the Bristol Channel.

..the train arrives at the Bristol Channel.

As Brunel's pursuit of dozens of engineering projects catches up with him...

As Brunel's pursuit of dozens of engineering projects catches up with him...

As Brunel's pursuit of dozens of engineering projects catches up with him...

..could the West Somerset Railway survive?

..could the West Somerset Railway survive?

In the rolling Somerset countryside...

In the rolling Somerset countryside...

..we're following a steam train

..we're following a steam train

that's taking us into the mind of the greatest engineer of the railway age...

that's taking us into the mind of the greatest engineer of the railway age...

that's taking us into the mind of the greatest engineer of the railway age...

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

But Brunel's ego, relentless energy and inability to delegate

But Brunel's ego, relentless energy and inability to delegate

But Brunel's ego, relentless energy and inability to delegate

led him to doggedly pursue dozens of engineering projects.

led him to doggedly pursue dozens of engineering projects.

led him to doggedly pursue dozens of engineering projects.

Overstretched and overworked,

Overstretched and overworked,

as Brunel's health deteriorated...

as Brunel's health deteriorated...

..there was a catastrophe brewing for the West Somerset Railway.

..there was a catastrophe brewing for the West Somerset Railway.

The train is heading for the second stop along the line,

The train is heading for the second stop along the line,

Stogumber Station.

Brunel's competitors placed stations

Brunel's competitors placed stations

as close as possible to the villages and towns they passed

as close as possible to the villages and towns they passed

as close as possible to the villages and towns they passed

to maximise passenger traffic.

to maximise passenger traffic.

But Brunel was driven by the engineering,

But Brunel was driven by the engineering,

a broad-gauge track that was as direct and flat as possible.

a broad-gauge track that was as direct and flat as possible.

a broad-gauge track that was as direct and flat as possible.

At Stogumber, this had a seemingly crazy consequence,

At Stogumber, this had a seemingly crazy consequence,

At Stogumber, this had a seemingly crazy consequence,

that the station is over a mile away from the village.

that the station is over a mile away from the village.

Passengers can just make it out across the valley

Passengers can just make it out across the valley

with its church and sprawling rooftops.

with its church and sprawling rooftops.

Brunel sited Stogumber Station halfway up a hill

Brunel sited Stogumber Station halfway up a hill

Brunel sited Stogumber Station halfway up a hill

to ensure the track is on the most direct path to the coast

to ensure the track is on the most direct path to the coast

and follows an even gradient.

and follows an even gradient.

Leaving Stogumber,

the train plunges downhill towards the coast.

the train plunges downhill towards the coast.

After years of delays, hope was on the horizon

After years of delays, hope was on the horizon

and the belief was that construction could get back on track.

and the belief was that construction could get back on track.

Brunel's force of personality

Brunel's force of personality

meant it was hard to imagine how the line could be completed without him.

meant it was hard to imagine how the line could be completed without him.

meant it was hard to imagine how the line could be completed without him.

As it glides towards Doniford Halt...

As it glides towards Doniford Halt...

..the train reaches the Bristol Channel...

..and turns west along the coast.

..and turns west along the coast.

Brunel had always been a fanatical worker.

Brunel had always been a fanatical worker.

Slaving away on the Great Western Railway, he said,

Slaving away on the Great Western Railway, he said,

"I am rarely under 20 hours a day at it."

"I am rarely under 20 hours a day at it."

He invented a custom-built horse-drawn carriage

He invented a custom-built horse-drawn carriage

nicknamed The Flying Hearse,

nicknamed The Flying Hearse,

so he could work and sleep on his journeys

so he could work and sleep on his journeys

between the multifarious projects

he was responsible for at any one time.

he was responsible for at any one time.

But his relentless commitment to his work

But his relentless commitment to his work

had a dramatic impact on his health.

had a dramatic impact on his health.

In Bristol, 50 miles up the coast,

In Bristol, 50 miles up the coast,

Brunel was desperately trying to keep his most ambitious projects

Brunel was desperately trying to keep his most ambitious projects

Brunel was desperately trying to keep his most ambitious projects

steaming ahead.

At the centre of these was the Great Western Railway

At the centre of these was the Great Western Railway

and his vision of providing a route from London to New York,

and his vision of providing a route from London to New York,

and his vision of providing a route from London to New York,

for which he had built one of the first steamships

for which he had built one of the first steamships

to conquer the Atlantic.

In Bristol Harbour, Brunel's steamship,

In Bristol Harbour, Brunel's steamship,

the SS Great Britain

was the world's first iron ship...

was the world's first iron ship...

..and the largest of her day.

It revolutionised sea transport.

It revolutionised sea transport.

Brunel's iron masterpiece

was also sending passengers to America.

was also sending passengers to America.

He had realised his grand vision to shrink the world.

He had realised his grand vision to shrink the world.

But just as Brunel was at the height of his powers,

But just as Brunel was at the height of his powers,

disaster strikes.

While conducting a site visit to an even larger steamship

While conducting a site visit to an even larger steamship

that was due to travel to Australia,

that was due to travel to Australia,

his most ambitious project ever...

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel had a stroke,

..Isambard Kingdom Brunel had a stroke,

aged just 53.

Not only was his death a tragedy for his family, his friends

Not only was his death a tragedy for his family, his friends

and the millions who had marvelled at his engineering projects...

and the millions who had marvelled at his engineering projects...

..it was a potential catastrophe for the West Somerset Railway.

..it was a potential catastrophe for the West Somerset Railway.

..it was a potential catastrophe for the West Somerset Railway.

A key part of the vision for the line

A key part of the vision for the line

and to make it successful,

and to make it successful,

was to build a new harbour at Watchet.

was to build a new harbour at Watchet.

Without Brunel,

the three-year construction deadline came and went,

the three-year construction deadline came and went,

costs continued to spiral

costs continued to spiral

and just half the shares were sold.

and just half the shares were sold.

To save the project,

the directors of the railway were forced to turn to another company

the directors of the railway were forced to turn to another company

to complete the construction of the line.

to complete the construction of the line.

Over the centuries, the harbour had been improved,

Over the centuries, the harbour had been improved,

but it was unsuitable for the demands of the railway.

but it was unsuitable for the demands of the railway.

Brunel's plan was to use breakwaters,

Brunel's plan was to use breakwaters,

long walls stretching out into the sea,

long walls stretching out into the sea,

to protect the harbour and its ships.

to protect the harbour and its ships.

Before he died,

overworked by too many engineering projects...

overworked by too many engineering projects...

..Brunel recommended the use of wood as a cost-saving measure.

..Brunel recommended the use of wood as a cost-saving measure.

But would his decision to use wood, not stone, for the breakwaters,

But would his decision to use wood, not stone, for the breakwaters,

But would his decision to use wood, not stone, for the breakwaters,

stand the test of time?

At first, all looked well.

With the harbour finally complete,

the grand opening of the West Somerset Railway

the grand opening of the West Somerset Railway

was celebrated with a special train to Watchet.

was celebrated with a special train to Watchet.

As a local army regiment provided stirring music,

As a local army regiment provided stirring music,

a great shout of welcome greeted the train.

a great shout of welcome greeted the train.

Despite the death of Brunel, all the delays and mounting costs...

Despite the death of Brunel, all the delays and mounting costs...

Despite the death of Brunel, all the delays and mounting costs...

..the National Rail network had finally penetrated deepest Somerset.

..the National Rail network had finally penetrated deepest Somerset.

..the National Rail network had finally penetrated deepest Somerset.

But Brunel's bold plan to build a safe haven for the shipping trade

But Brunel's bold plan to build a safe haven for the shipping trade

But Brunel's bold plan to build a safe haven for the shipping trade

that was so critical to the prosperity of the town

that was so critical to the prosperity of the town

lasted just four decades.

lasted just four decades.

As the 20th century dawned, a huge storm battered the harbour.

As the 20th century dawned, a huge storm battered the harbour.

As the 20th century dawned, a huge storm battered the harbour.

The western breakwater,

which Brunel had built from wood rather than stone...

which Brunel had built from wood rather than stone...

..completely gave way

and the heavy bulks of timber wreaked havoc.

and the heavy bulks of timber wreaked havoc.

Just three ships escaped the destruction.

Just three ships escaped the destruction.

Unable to fork out £1.6 million in today's money

Unable to fork out £1.6 million in today's money

Unable to fork out £1.6 million in today's money

to finance the repairs,

the harbour was taken over by the local council,

the harbour was taken over by the local council,

but it took them over a century to pay off the debt.

but it took them over a century to pay off the debt.

But the journey is not over yet.

But the journey is not over yet.

Reaching out beyond Watchet station, the track continues.

Reaching out beyond Watchet station, the track continues.

The train is about to discover

The train is about to discover

if Brunel's railway revolution

if Brunel's railway revolution

would have a more enduring legacy.

would have a more enduring legacy.

Next...

..the last leg.

We discover how the fashion for railways has gripped the country.

We discover how the fashion for railways has gripped the country.

We discover how the fashion for railways has gripped the country.

The wealthy and famous are trying to jump on the bandwagon

The wealthy and famous are trying to jump on the bandwagon

and have a stake in the new technological future.

and have a stake in the new technological future.

and have a stake in the new technological future.

On Somerset's ancient coastline...

On Somerset's ancient coastline...

..a magnificent steam train

is about to embark on the final leg of its grand adventure.

is about to embark on the final leg of its grand adventure.

is about to embark on the final leg of its grand adventure.

We're about to discover how railway mania gripped the country,

We're about to discover how railway mania gripped the country,

We're about to discover how railway mania gripped the country,

with the wealthy and famous trying to jump on Brunel's bandwagon

with the wealthy and famous trying to jump on Brunel's bandwagon

with the wealthy and famous trying to jump on Brunel's bandwagon

and have a stake in the excitement of a new technological age,

and have a stake in the excitement of a new technological age,

and have a stake in the excitement of a new technological age,

just as they do today.

Brunel's original vision

to generate the most money for the West Somerset Railway

to generate the most money for the West Somerset Railway

was to run it along the coast to Somerset's first holiday resort,

was to run it along the coast to Somerset's first holiday resort,

was to run it along the coast to Somerset's first holiday resort,

Minehead.

But competition from rival railways forced him to shelve the plan.

But competition from rival railways forced him to shelve the plan.

But competition from rival railways forced him to shelve the plan.

After his death,

one of the wealthiest landowners in Somerset

one of the wealthiest landowners in Somerset

came to the rescue by raising a bucket-load of cash

came to the rescue by raising a bucket-load of cash

to deliver Brunel's original plan...

to deliver Brunel's original plan...

..extending the line from Watchet

ten miles along the coast to Minehead.

ten miles along the coast to Minehead.

George Luttrell arranged for the railway to pass his own magnificent home.

George Luttrell arranged for the railway to pass his own magnificent home.

George Luttrell arranged for the railway to pass his own magnificent home.

Dunster Castle is perched dramatically on top of a wooded hill

Dunster Castle is perched dramatically on top of a wooded hill

Dunster Castle is perched dramatically on top of a wooded hill

with unbeatable views of the coastline and the railway.

with unbeatable views of the coastline and the railway.

On George Luttrell's track,

On George Luttrell's track,

the steam train sets out for Minehead.

the steam train sets out for Minehead.

Luttrell hoped his newly inherited railway

Luttrell hoped his newly inherited railway

would draw in wealthy tourists,

would draw in wealthy tourists,

transforming Minehead into a well-heeled and prosperous holiday hot spot.

transforming Minehead into a well-heeled and prosperous holiday hot spot.

transforming Minehead into a well-heeled and prosperous holiday hot spot.

As the train picks up speed,

it plunges down Cleeve Hill and gallops towards George's castle.

it plunges down Cleeve Hill and gallops towards George's castle.

it plunges down Cleeve Hill and gallops towards George's castle.

But first, the train disappears

But first, the train disappears

into the major engineering feature of the line.

into the major engineering feature of the line.

Bilbrook cutting is three quarters of a mile long and 40ft deep.

Bilbrook cutting is three quarters of a mile long and 40ft deep.

Bilbrook cutting is three quarters of a mile long and 40ft deep.

It was built by an army of construction workers

It was built by an army of construction workers

who were known as navigators.

who were known as navigators.

Shortened to navvies,

the name reflects the skilled role they played in building

the name reflects the skilled role they played in building

first, the canals in the 18th and early-19th centuries,

first, the canals in the 18th and early-19th centuries,

and later, the railways.

But the job was back-breaking, dirty and dangerous.

But the job was back-breaking, dirty and dangerous.

But the job was back-breaking, dirty and dangerous.

One worker died when they were run over by a spoil waggon,

One worker died when they were run over by a spoil waggon,

and many more were injured in this cutting alone.

and many more were injured in this cutting alone.

And without the success of an experimental German explosive

And without the success of an experimental German explosive

called lithofracteur

called lithofracteur

many more workers would have been hurt.

many more workers would have been hurt.

12 times as explosive as gunpowder,

12 times as explosive as gunpowder,

it created huge holes that spared the workers' backs

it created huge holes that spared the workers' backs

it created huge holes that spared the workers' backs

and their lives.

Heading towards the coast once more,

Heading towards the coast once more,

the train enters a vast, straight stretch of track

the train enters a vast, straight stretch of track

that runs as far as the eye can see.

that runs as far as the eye can see.

As a young man toiling away, building his first tunnel,

As a young man toiling away, building his first tunnel,

Brunel wrote in his diary,

"Be the first engineer and an example for future ones."

"Be the first engineer and an example for future ones."

"Be the first engineer and an example for future ones."

And he hoped his passion, his energy and his ambition

And he hoped his passion, his energy and his ambition

would inspire generation after generation of engineers.

would inspire generation after generation of engineers.

But, like the harbour back at Watchet,

But, like the harbour back at Watchet,

there was a dramatic sting in the tail of Brunel's broad gauge.

there was a dramatic sting in the tail of Brunel's broad gauge.

there was a dramatic sting in the tail of Brunel's broad gauge.

Just before Brunel died,

the founding principle of his railway revolution was obliterated.

the founding principle of his railway revolution was obliterated.

the founding principle of his railway revolution was obliterated.

It was impossible to run a national railway network

It was impossible to run a national railway network

with incompatible gauges,

and as nearly nine out of every ten miles of track was standard gauge,

and as nearly nine out of every ten miles of track was standard gauge,

and as nearly nine out of every ten miles of track was standard gauge,

the Royal Commission for Railway Gauges

the Royal Commission for Railway Gauges

outlawed any new broad-gauge lines.

outlawed any new broad-gauge lines.

For Brunel,

it was a bitter pill to swallow.

it was a bitter pill to swallow.

The Stephensons had got there first.

The Stephensons had got there first.

The death knell of the broad gauge came at a staggering cost.

The death knell of the broad gauge came at a staggering cost.

The final bill to convert the Great Western Railway

The final bill to convert the Great Western Railway

back to the standard gauge was, in today's money,

back to the standard gauge was, in today's money,

over £100 million.

over £100 million.

Brunel's pioneering vision was a commercial catastrophe.

Brunel's pioneering vision was a commercial catastrophe.

Brunel's pioneering vision was a commercial catastrophe.

Three miles out from Minehead,

the train is cruising along the Somerset coastline.

the train is cruising along the Somerset coastline.

A couple of miles inland,

passengers can spot George Luttrell's hilltop home,

passengers can spot George Luttrell's hilltop home,

passengers can spot George Luttrell's hilltop home,

Dunster Castle.

Originally built as a medieval fortress

Originally built as a medieval fortress

to repel invaders arriving by sea,

to repel invaders arriving by sea,

George inherited the castle in the mid-19th century.

George inherited the castle in the mid-19th century.

In the late 1860s,

he transformed Dunster into the type of fairy-tale castle

he transformed Dunster into the type of fairy-tale castle

he transformed Dunster into the type of fairy-tale castle

the Victorians were fond of,

with two new towers and battlements to emphasise the medieval origins.

with two new towers and battlements to emphasise the medieval origins.

with two new towers and battlements to emphasise the medieval origins.

Luttrell had inherited vast estates and improved their prosperity,

Luttrell had inherited vast estates and improved their prosperity,

Luttrell had inherited vast estates and improved their prosperity,

enabling him to embark on his prestige project...

enabling him to embark on his prestige project...

..the extension of the West Somerset Railway.

..the extension of the West Somerset Railway.

On the final furlong,

the line runs dead straight across flat coastal marshes

the line runs dead straight across flat coastal marshes

towards Minehead.

Today, the West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage line in England...

Today, the West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage line in England...

Today, the West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage line in England...

..all 20 glorious miles of it.

..all 20 glorious miles of it.

On the 16th of July 1874,

On the 16th of July 1874,

nearly two decades after Brunel first promoted the idea of a railway to Minehead,

nearly two decades after Brunel first promoted the idea of a railway to Minehead,

nearly two decades after Brunel first promoted the idea of a railway to Minehead,

locals finally had cause to celebrate.

locals finally had cause to celebrate.

At 1pm, 800 passengers, led by George Luttrell,

At 1pm, 800 passengers, led by George Luttrell,

At 1pm, 800 passengers, led by George Luttrell,

arrived on the first steam train to reach Minehead.

arrived on the first steam train to reach Minehead.

The train was met on the platform by hundreds of children

The train was met on the platform by hundreds of children

who'd been released from school...

..a tradition repeated in the 1960s when the Beatles came to town.

..a tradition repeated in the 1960s when the Beatles came to town.

..a tradition repeated in the 1960s when the Beatles came to town.

By the early-20th century,

express trains raced down from London

express trains raced down from London

and Minehead Station issued up to 44,000 tickets a year.

and Minehead Station issued up to 44,000 tickets a year.

and Minehead Station issued up to 44,000 tickets a year.

Brunel's West Somerset Railway

Brunel's West Somerset Railway

had proven to be financially precarious,

had proven to be financially precarious,

but his vision to take railways further and faster than ever before

but his vision to take railways further and faster than ever before

but his vision to take railways further and faster than ever before

had carried through.

His Great Western Railway became known as the Holiday Line,

His Great Western Railway became known as the Holiday Line,

His Great Western Railway became known as the Holiday Line,

and the seaside became the destination of choice

and the seaside became the destination of choice

for travellers across the country,

for travellers across the country,

transforming countless coastal villages

transforming countless coastal villages

and lives.

As the magnificent steam train rests in Minehead Station...

As the magnificent steam train rests in Minehead Station...

..it's time to take stock of Britain's railway revolution...

..it's time to take stock of Britain's railway revolution...

..from George Stephenson,

the man who created the steam railway...

the man who created the steam railway...

..to Isambard Kingdom Brunel,

..to Isambard Kingdom Brunel,

the man who shrank the world.

the man who shrank the world.

Together, the two iron giants of the railways

Together, the two iron giants of the railways

inspired the world to follow in their footsteps.

inspired the world to follow in their footsteps.

The technology revolution had begun

The technology revolution had begun

and it is still playing out today.

and it is still playing out today.

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media

Subtitles by Red Bee Media