Thames Branches Drivers Eye View

This DVD offers a driver’s-eye view of four of the Great Western Railway’s Thames Valley branch lines, providing an immersive perspective on these unique routes. The journey begins at London Paddington with a run along the Greenford branch, crossing the Great Western main line via Ealing Broadway before terminating at Greenford, nestled between the tracks of the Central Line.

Next, the DVD follows the Windsor branch from Slough to the historic Royal station facing Windsor Castle. To give viewers a complete understanding of operations, the journey briefly retraces part of the route to illustrate the complex junction arrangement at Slough.

The Marlow branch showcases the legacy of the former through route to High Wycombe, including a reversal at the tight junction at Bourne End, highlighting the operational challenges of this fascinating line. Finally, the trip concludes on the line to Henley-on-Thames, capturing the scenic charm of the Thames Valley.

All services on these branches are operated by two-car Class 165 Turbo DMUs, and the footage was filmed during the summer of 2015 under bright, clear skies. Combining cab footage with detailed views of junctions, reversals, and branch operations, this Driver’s Eye View DVD offers an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the Thames Valley’s railway heritage.