Off the Rails

Vince Henderson takes a ride on the 1952 Hunslet of Leeds and learns how a boyhood dream became a thriving preservation railway.

Vince Henderson's on the footplate of a 1920 S15 and lubricates the hulking 150-tonne Canadian Pacific before riding a line 600ft above sea level.

Spectacular scenery, a steep climb and superb locos await Vince Henderson as he boards the country's oldest working standard-gauge steam loco.

Vince Henderson meets Thomas the Tank Engine and catches up with the restoration of a Pannier tank engine that's been to the moon and back - twice.

Vince Henderson gets to grips with broad-gauge wars at a centre dedicated to Brunel's GWR and uncovers restoration on a historic WWII carriage.

Vince Henderson takes a ride on the magnificent Blackmoor Vale before keeping a royal appointment with an Edwardian vintage carriage!

Can narrow gauge give standard gauge a run for its money? Vince Henderson finds out before getting involved with restoration on a 1913 well tank loco.

Work is under way to save one of the original Flying Scotsman carriages that raced to the north at Embsay. Vince Henderson checks out progress.

Vince Henderson uncovers the fascinating man behind the world's top 15-inch gauge railway and takes a ride on a record-breaking carriage, Gladys.

Vince Henderson steps back in time to re-enact a Staffordshire station at war, before boarding the American S160 loco for a trip into enemy territory.

Vince Henderson learns how to drive a steam engine in Derbyshire, getting to grips with the workings of a 1926, 49-tonne, class 3 tank locomotive.

It's the Silver Jubilee Steam Gala! Vince Henderson joins enthusiasts and finds out what it's like to be a fireman on the Didmore Manor 7820.

Meet the volunteers who keep the four-mile Chinnor and Princes Risborough line running, before changing tracks for a 1932 Saddle Tank loco.

Vince Henderson takes a ride on a BR Class 4MT along one of the most historic steam lines in the country, built by George Stephenson in 1836.

Join Vince as he lays a reclaimed track extension over the River Nene and discovers the delights and differences of the Polish TKh steam locomotives.

Giving up the thunder of steam for the growl of diesel, Vince Henderson gets to grips with an engine under repair and is in the pits after a storm.

Vince Henderson climbs aboard the 121-year-old 41708 for a trip down the restored Poppy Line and explores the complexities of a late 19th century signal box.

Vince Henderson visits the track of the world's first light railway, rides a Northiam WD 197 and watches restoration on a first-class Pullman coach.

Vince Henderson powers up the preservation line that portrays the steam-diesel transition of the 50s and 60s and discovers how to drive a diesel.