London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street Drivers eye view

Diesel-hauled express services have made a welcome return, and this DVD places viewers in the cab of a Class 68 locomotive hauling refurbished Mk III carriages, marketed by Chiltern Railways as the ‘Silver Trains.’ The journey begins at London Marylebone Station aboard the 10:10 service to Birmingham Moor Street, offering a front-row perspective of a route that has seen remarkable changes over the past three decades.

Since Video 125 last captured this line, privatisation, Network Rail improvements, re-doubling of tracks, and the Evergreen initiative have all transformed the Chiltern main line. The modern enhancements have boosted line speeds and allowed Chiltern Railways to significantly increase the number of services, providing a faster and more efficient travel experience for passengers while maintaining the heritage of this historic route.

From the cab, the train passes alongside the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines and skims past Wembley Stadium before joining the former Great Central/Great Western joint line at Northolt Junction. The journey continues through High Wycombe and the scenic Chiltern Hills, following the path once taken by GWR steam expresses bound for Birmingham or Birkenhead, before joining the former GWR main line from Oxford. Key stops along the way include Banbury, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Solihull, culminating at Birmingham Moor Street, a station beautifully restored to echo the grandeur of the 1930s steam era.

Narration is provided by seasoned broadcaster Richard Bath, who expertly guides viewers through the rich history of the Great Central Railway—the last traditional main line into London. Combining historical context with contemporary footage, this Driver’s Eye View captures both the heritage and modern operation of one of England’s most fascinating railway corridors.