BBC Manchester

When this series cropped up on PBS, I was a big Monty Python fanatic. Still am. At the time, I had no idea that Michael Palin was a train spotter from an early age. As soon as it became available, I got a copy on VHS tape. Of course by now, good copies can be found on YouTube (see end of this review for a link).

I’ve said several times in past reviews, I’m not much of a railfan of European/British rolling stock, but…but…the Python/Palin continuum is just too juicy to pass up. Monty Python reminds me of all those “key phrases” we used to quote in college like “Shunt’s work is a load of rubbish about railway timetables” or “a very brave and influential Knight (waggles his left hand).”

Anyway. This TV show started Palin on a second career as a globetrotter filming his experiences. His next big travel project was 1989’s “Around the World in 80 Days” which included a ride on Amtrak’s Desert Wind and California Zephyr.

Back to our feature, it was Sir Michael’s intention to visit Kyle of Lochalsh and the Isle of Skye — and wanting to get there entirely by train. Along the way, there were several detours and stops to visit interesting and famous railway destinations…at least as far as Britain is concerned.

Here’s Sir Michael riding a Flying Scotsman excursion and chatting up some of the passengers.

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