The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
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Truro to Falmouth on the Maritime Line
Journey on the Great Scenic Railway from Truro to Falmouth
From the collection of:
Overview
Westward TV reporter John Doyle embarks at Truro to travel from the cathedral city to the harbour port-resort of Falmouth on the Maritime Line. The Great Scenic Railway takes in the once busy port of Penryn where fish, tin and copper industries gave way to granite works and lately, oyster farming. The train passes through the Higher Town Tunnel and at Penwithers Junction the line splits; the mainline continues to Penzance; the branch line as single track to Falmouth.
Built by the Cornwall Railway from Plymouth to Truro in 1859 and extended to Falmouth in 1863, the line was to link London with the packet boats travelling to Europe, Africa and America. The train travels above the Restronguet Creek on the Carnon Viaduct stopping at Perranwell. From there the Ponsanooth Viaduct looms high over the River Kennal, it continues through Treluswell to Penryn, head of the River Fal with views over St Gluvias through Penmere onto Falmouth Bay where Pendennis Castle and Gyllyngvase Beach may be seen. Opened as The Dell in 1970, today's Falmouth Town Station precedes the last stop at Falmouth Docks.
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