Runaway Railway

A pre-Porridge Ronnie Barker plays a dim-witted train robber up to no good in this steam-era comedy adventure for kids

With the local loop line under threat of closure, a group of young train enthusiasts take unorthodox steps to stop beloved steam engine Matilda being shunted off to the breaker's yard. But unwittingly they help sneaky Mr Jones (Sydney Tafler) and his dim-witted accomplice Mr Galore (Ronnie Barker) rob a mail-train. This fast-paced family adventure will take you back to the golden days of steam.

An old steam engine found rusting in a shed was restored by army engineers especially to be used in Runaway Railway. Except for special effects scenes - which were shot at Pinewood Studios - the film was made entirely on location in Hampshire, on the Army's own railway line, between Longmoor and Borden (renamed Barming Station for the film). After filming was completed, the steam engine remained in service, and was used to transport army supplies.