Description: The lecture contains many clips of video footage, practical demonstrations, and large scale models.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) in collaboration with British Rail presented the 1981-1982 Faraday Lecture.

Introduced by Dick Ribbons

Includes video footage of steam locomotives, manual signals followed by discussion on mainline diesel and electric traction to the future of electrified trains with electricity taken directly from the National Grid.

Video footage of Crewe-Glasgow railway.

Demonstration of Faraday’s induction experiment.

Topics covered:

Power Control – presented by Alan Goldfinch

Discusses the continuous electrical circuit required to power the train and how electricity is taken from the National Grid and converted in to traction power.

Video footage of an intercity train.

Train control – presented by Ian Buchanan

Discuses train signalling systems, advance warning systems, safety aspects

To demonstrate signalling systems a large model train ran along the length of the stage showing how signals change to protect the train by stopping and showing other trains following.

Video footage of a Faraday Junction with explanation

Ride Control – presented by Bob Sparrow

Discuses increasing comfort levels whilst travelling including the tilting system added to the passenger trains demonstrated with a large model.

Video footage of a British Rail research vehicle introducing the concept of electromagnetism in railway travel, known as the maglev.

Colour film

Running time 45:17