Tag Archives: Bluebell Railway

The Railway Children 2000

Carlton Television Ltd.

For once, I’m going to talk up the ACTORS instead of the trains. Specifically, the three Railway Children (shown above). A group moniker like that, can’t help but lead to trains galore. So without further ado, I present:


Clare Thomas as “Phyllis” (with the big, blue, beseeching eyes).


Jack Blumenau as “Peter” (pronounced Pee-tah) – trainspotter extraordinaire.



Jemima Rooper as “Bobbie” (a classic English beauty and mature beyond her years).

Based on the famous 1905 novel by E. Nesbit, this movie adaption features actress Jenny Agutter as the mother of the three kids. Ms. Agutter also appeared in the 1970 movie, which I previously reviewed, as one of the children. I daresay the 2000 movie is as good, or better than the 1970 version. Quite the tearjerker.

As if THAT isn’t enough to wet my train whistle, pulling up Jenny’s bio on IMDb, revealed yet ANOTHER Railway Children feature entitled, The Railway Children Return 2022! That one looks interesting in the preview video. Might have to check that one out, some day.

As most of you know, I’m not much of an expert on British trains, thus this wiki link (about the 2000 movie) was EXTREMELY helpful identifying the equipment and locations. Let’s get started…

So long! Farewell! Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye! Mom and the kids wave goodbye to “The Old Gentleman” (played by Richard Attenborough). Now, on with the train bits.

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The Plymouth Express 1991

Picture Partnership Productions

It’s “Urk-Yul” Poirot! Yes, everyone’s favorite Belgie detective, Hercule Poirot (played by David Suchet) is once more investigating a murder — this time on a steam train from London’s Paddington Station to Bristol (and eventually Plymouth).

Our first steam engine encounter is in the credits of every TV episode of the series (see above). It looks to be an “artist’s conception” of a London and North Eastern Railway Class A4 streamlined 4-6-2 designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.

Today’s episode features two different Southern Railway (U.K.) steam engines as well as location shooting at Hull Paragon Railway Station (standing in for London’s Paddington, Bristol & Plymouth) and along the Bluebell Railway.

In a moving crane shot, we find SR #777 “Sir Lamiel” pulling its’ four-car train into Plymouth…er Hull Station. A grisly discovery is about to be made onboard!

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