This DVD comprises two fascinating cab rides from the mid-1990’s around London’s complex rail network. The first is from Hoo Junction to Temple Mills and the second is from Clapham Junction to Temple Mills. Both journeys were not possible by passenger train and were therefore filmed on freight trains - Mainline Freight’s 7L07 infrastructure service. The views from the locomotive footplates include manual signal boxes and semaphore signals that have since disappeared, as well as the sites of some of the capital’s closed stations and freight terminals. Both of London’s last surviving heritage DMU services are also seen, as are several of the capital’s ‘freight only’ routes.

The first journey is on board ‘Crompton’ 33030 and features the original booked route of the 7L07. This includes the West London Line and also the North London Line before it was electrified and upgraded. Today, the route between Hackney Wick and Temple Mills has changed beyond all recognition following the construction of the 2012 Olympic village at Stratford. As for Temple Mills Yard, that has since closed and the site is now a Eurostar depot. The full route of the journey is as follows: HOO JUNCTION - DARTFORD - SIDCUP – HITHER GREEN - Courthill Loop South Junction - Courthill Loop North Junction - LEWISHAM - Nunhead Junction – PECKHAM RYE - Voltaire Road Junction - Factory Junction - Longhedge Junction - Latchmere Junctions – KENSINGTON OLYMPIA - Mitre Bridge Junction - Willesden High Level Junction - BRONDESBURY - Gospel Oak Junction - CAMDEN ROAD - Dalston Junction – HACKNEY WICK - Lea Junction – Temple Mills East Junction – TEMPLE MILLS YARD. 
 
The second journey was filmed on 37274 during the six month period when the 7L07 was temporarily diverted away from its booked route over the North London Line while it was being upgraded. The revised route includes the ‘freight only’ route from Acton Wells Junction to Cricklewood and the obscure mile-long ‘freight only’ connection between the Midland Main Line and the Tottenham & Hampstead Line. The full route of this journey is:CLAPHAM JUNCTION - Point Pleasant Junction - PUTNEY - BARNES - New Kew Junction - Kew East Junction - South Acton Junction - Acton Wells Junction - Acton Canal Wharf Junction - Neasden Junction - Dudding Hill Junction - Cricklewood Curve Junction - Carlton Road Junction - Junction Road Junction – UPPER HOLLOWAY - Harringay Park Junction –Tottenham South Junction - Coppermill Junction - Temple Mills West Junction – TEMPLE MILLS YARD

Introduction:
David Maxey

First Published:
1995 & 1997 VHS
2011 DVD

Route Featured:
Clapham - Temple Mills via two routes.

Class Featured:
33 & 37.