Pilot/Preview/Sample Episode

[@stephencranford1102]

It was a dream project to be presenting!!

[@jjskn93]

Congratulations. Proper job.

[@royl7776]

My 'fake' comment was in error, very sorry, now deleted.

[@stephencranford1102]

@@royl7776 no problem. I was just a little confused by it!! 🤪

[@davidsunderland3265]

Brilliant show! I really enjoyed it!

[@pwhitewick]

Wonderful production, thanks for sharing.

[@lizwilliams14]

Many years ago. Probably 70 years - my uncle and aunty lived on a farm at Cowfold. I can only remember going there once. Their dog bit my younger sister and when my dad intervened, the dog bit him too!! I love railways. We now live on the Canadian prairies where passenger trains are a thing of the past. You have no idea how I miss trains. Luckily we have people who research history of trains so I can satisfy my interest in trains and history. Look forward to more episodes.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for your lovely message... and what a memory to conjour up! I go through Cowfold regularly! Thank you for your support.

[@mariamartin4256]

Wonderful to watch and stepping back in time. Very well presented. Looking forward to future episodes

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for your lovely comments

[@PaulWhitehouse-sj9kz]

A very good video 📹 about the disused railways 🛤

[@gthbtn]

Thanks for such an interesting video, I lived that way at the end of the last century and knew of the line but not much about it. Beeching should have faced the axe for what he did to what may not have been profitable lines but necessary diversionary routes, especially the East Grinstead to Lewes line! There was talk, about 25 years ago now of building a new station on the Coastway West line past Angmering to be called Toddington and just past that a "right turn" up the Arun Valley to Horsham. This would knock about 20 minutes off the journey time to London by removing the need to turn round at Littlehampton during engineering works or service disruption.

[@bingbong7316]

I remember West Grinstead's bridge very well from childhood - we always got negative g in the car going over the hump! Bonus, back in the 1960s, was being able to glimpse the station when we hit max altitude in the rear seat. In its last days, resplendent in Southern Region green, with its canopies and covered stairways, proper station. Demolition wasn't immediate after closure, it was intact for a fair while and always rather sad to see it unused as we passed. I should add, Steyning would be commuter heaven nowadays, were the line still open. And JFK/1st Episode of Dr. Who were only a day apart.

[@stephencranford1102]

What lovely memories. Thank you for your lovely comments. You have to love the old hump backed bridges! Do subscribe to get notifications when the episodes are released.

[@johnrayfield11]

Terrific start, can't wait for next episode

[@robinhillyard6187]

Enjoyed. Very much I was at Christ’s Hospital in the 60s. I believe the station name was changed from West Horsham-or similar-when the school moved there in 1902.

[@tracingtherails]

So glad you liked it. If you find anything from those days like a picture or train ticket etc, do let us know :)

[@Northstander]

This is a really interesting documentary and one where I have a family link to the station, West Grinstead, that is featured. My grandmother on my dad's side of the family told me that her grandfather had run away from home in Amberley to work at West Grinstead station when it was opened, clearly on the date quoted here of 1st July 1861. A few years ago I saw a census return from around that time that contained details of all the people living at the station at the time and my great, great, grandfather was mentioned. I do know that he later worked at Ockley station, which is on the Horsham to Dorking line, but have sadly lost a picture that showed him sat on a bench by the station sign. Once again, thank you for this documentary.

[@tracingtherails]

Wow - these are the kinds of stories we love to hear about because they make things more relevant and rewarding. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@susanbrown6878]

A friend of my other half used to live in a house that backed onto this railway line at Shoreham and he always referred to the train as the Steyning stinker.

[@klamin_original]

Instant sub. Greetings from the Franconia region, Germany

[@whyyoulidl]

Thanks! What a lovely addition to the historic and disused railway segments on YT. SUBSCRIBED!

[@PhilGrant-l4y]

Well done - come on down to Holmsley Station this year we recall 60 year's since Beeching closed us down!

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

My wife and I cycled this route about 10 years back. Lots of hideous development since then. Good pilot episode

[@kevinwalker7702]

Very well produced to a professional standard...looking forward to more in the series. Glad to see you have not fallen for intrusive background "music" and effects so often spoiling TV and video productions these days. Voiceover and speed of delivery just right. Deserves a wider audience .Excellent !

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks, Kevin. I've been a BBC broadcaster for well over 20 years, but compared to some modern standards, I had begun to fear that my style and voice are a bit old-fashioned now!

[@CarloGilmour]

Excellent. Just a few yards further along the line to the north was the platform at the Hunt kennels that were used to load hounds and horses on a hunting day. The platform is still there although collapsed. The kennels buildings are still there but the Hunt has relocated.

[@cms9902]

Breath of fresh air. Engaging, and very watchable.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you 😊

[@jimbobmchooey]

An interesting short documentary. Presenter has a lovely manner.

[@tracingtherails]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you.

[@andrewduke1489]

The Steyning Stinker line! Fantastic. I remember going over the old humpback bridge at West Grinstead.

[@Beechwood52]

Excellent piece of work, well researched and way better before and after graphics than most KZbin productions. All that was missing was a map or two.

[@tracingtherails]

Yes, the original edit had a map on it and I made some improvements and then forgot to put it back. A few people have mentioned that. This is all great feedback for when we start filming the full series this spring. Thank you so much for your support :) - Chris

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for the lovely comments!

[@Azimuth8687]

Well done and fantastic presentation.

[@nealhove]

Good luck with this project Stephen.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks Neal!

[@olliesbranchline]

Love the videos of the station from the 60s, where did you find them? I’d love to watch films of the line, and the west coastway too if they exist!

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Brilliant, thank you. Lived and worked in the area for 30 years. A friend owned the old railway station at Petworth, running it as an hotel, with guests staying in refurbished Pullman carriages.

[@stephencranford1102]

I've seen that! How fabulous. In the future I'd love to feature that line too.

[@SteveBarnes-r3b]

Nice nostalgic look back to an area I knew briefly. A map would have been really helpful. Thanks

[@NewArcadian]

A fine job and well edited - you did decent justice to West Grinstead!

[@Belle_Smith]

Really enjoyable film with an engaging presenter and nice use of special effects to draw us back into the past. I look forward to the next production!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for your kind comments . Please subscribe to the channel to make sure you hear about the next programmes. ❤

[@andyjarvis7791]

Great video, especially as I live not far from there and never knew of its existence. Will definitely make a visit. Looking forward to the next video.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you! Episodes 1 and 2 have already been released, and episode 3 is in production now

[@siwalder1618]

I cycle the lower portion of downslink almost everyday and I'm allways looking out for signs of the old line and stations. I'm going to really enjoy this channel.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@steffanmaximum]

A great documentary, and brilliant how the new shots were superimposed on the old ones. I use to be a driver at Three Bridges depot, and I remember some of the older driver's telling me that just before the Steyning line was closed, a lot of infrastructure was put in place for electrification, and then they changed their minds. I look forward to the next episode.

[@stephencranford1102]

Such a shame they didn't keep the line. Thanks for your interest.

[@BarryCranford-v2z]

Excellent and look forward to more..

[@owlley]

My father had fond memories of this station. He attended the ‘poor’ school nearby. I sometimes go there and imagine him as a small boy in the 1920s getting off . He saw so much change in his life. So sad indeed that this line was closed. I really hope it is reopened one day. Those really were very different days! Excellent production and presentation, thank you for doing this.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for sharing your special memories.

[@TheDigitaldodo]

Very well made Stephen, enjoyed!

[@Gideonsmythe]

This is so engaging. Brilliant stuff. There's so many disused lines to chose from. My favourite would be the long-gone Brightlingsea to Wivenhoe branch of the Great Eastern. Washed away by the 1953 floods, rebuilt then closed for good in the early 60s.

[@stephencranford1102]

There are so many we could never do them all... they're all fascinating!

[@davethatcher4954]

Love these sort of channels re' railways from way back when, as I used to be a signalman on the southern region......Crystal Palace, Liegham Junction, Hayes ( Kent) and Twickenham west Junction box.

[@stephencranford1102]

That's fabulous. I bet you saw some amazing times!

[@pauljohnson4590]

I like the style and quality - good luck with the series.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you

[@andrewbarnes9504]

Brilliant video looking back at how things worked properly, lol. Looking forward to many more.

[@robbo811]

This was a great video and presented with care, education and a sense of a little melancholy. I gather there would 1000’s of West Grinsteads around the world.Thanks

[@stephencranford1102]

Yes, there would be too many similar stations to imagine... Thank you for your lovely words.

[@pauldavis6857]

So delighted I stumbled across this delightful video.. I well recall this line, having travelled from Shoreham to Christs Hospital more than once. I shall follow your future videos with great interest.

[@tracingtherails]

SO glad you enjoyed it and that we brought back some memories for you. If you do stumble across any pictures or tickets or anything like that, do drop us a line - kind regards - Chris

[@ramonwilliams5721]

Really enjoyed your video, as a ex steam Fireman/Driver in Worcestershire, left the railway in 1972 after Dr Beeching caught up with us.🚂🚂🚂

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, that's a real compliment seeing as you were once doing it for real!

[@trevorwright6165]

great video you have done it proud i love the way you have made it so life like thank you from trev in east preston sussex

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, Trev. Have you seen the first complete episodes? Subscribe to the channel to receive alerts when our new content is available 😊

[@steveroperfilms]

Great video, including presentation, old photos and overlays. Greetings from Bali.

[@tracingtherails]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@martinmarsola6477]

Just joined the channel today 5/1/24. A wonderful video as an introduction to me subscribing. All the best with this channel. Viewed it in the U.S.A. Cheers mates! 😊

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, Martin!

[@Richardsrailway]

Excellent. Well put together

[@derickl436]

Hugely interesting even although I have no connection with the area. Looking forward to the next episode and have subscribed. Click that thumbs up too folks!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you so much! We hope you enjoy the series. 😊

[@dawdawes]

Good luck with the new series, enjoyed the pilot episode, really well produced . Looking forward to more, all the best from an ex Staines driver

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for your lovely comments.

[@tinyupes]

this is really high quality wow. excited for more !

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for your kind comments. 👍🏻

[@flippop101]

Great presentation and looking forward to more. A graphic / map showing the route would have helped to make it perfect!

[@tracingtherails]

Maps were my mistake, we had them on the first test edit and I forgot to put them back! Its the little things that catch us out eh?! Thanks for supporting it and for feeding back too. _ Chris/Director

[@keithhiscock6637]

I agree re maps both the straight geographical and the railway clearing house ones. But some great touches here and looks v professional

[@michaelbattman2971]

Excellent first video. One plea from a Northerner, can we have a map showing us where we are, so I can get my bearings, thanks.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for the comments. Rest assured that when the full episodes are made, maps will 100% be in there!!

[@charliecrocker1649]

Love it Steve!

[@edwardwest5035]

Super video, thank you. I particularly liked the way you inserted yourself in the old pictures. Edward.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for your kind comments, Edward. We are going to try and blend in as many old images as we can in the actual episodes.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Excellent. Very informative and just the right pace and ambience. I especially liked the overlay on old photos. Such a shame we have lost so many routes but at least some are being reopened. Subbed and waiting the next one.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for the lovely comments!

[@WilhelmSmit-ql5vc]

THE standard of production, film footage, editing and excellent presentation put this pilot into an award winning category. The overlays are brilliant...Im sure many enthusiasts would enjoy seeing reconstructions on railway documentaries created on former lines in other parts of the country where some infrastructure/ relics still remain.

[@stephencranford1102]

@@WilhelmSmit-ql5vc that's very kind of you. Thank you so much

[@andrewthompson9677]

Great video ,& well done , will be watching for future episodes

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you

[@steveandrews7880]

Excellent Steve, cycled this route a few times,look forward to yopur next production.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@ELR1-C]

That was just superb and very well presented. I am so much looking forward to more of your Tracing the Rails railway history vids.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you :-)

[@JackHawkin5]

I love the style of this, the use of old pictures and maps especially when there are laid over the new footage. Can't wait to see more!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, Jack! Please subscribe to make sure you don't miss the first episode. :-)

[@Dagger2311]

Subscribed!

[@TrueGuaranteedIrish]

Excellent work. +1 sub

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you

[@frenchfriar]

Congratulations from across the pond in Tennessee! You truly made me feel as though I was there, with you, including back in the day when the rails were still live. I do find it sad that rails and stations were just abandoned, both here in the US, and there, in the UK, during the 1960's. Here, there's very often nothing left, but it seems a lot is still there to be seen over there, if you know where to look. This was one of the very best presentstions on an historic station that I've ever seen. You've definitely gained a new follower, and I offer my congratulations on your new series! Thank you!

[@stephencranford1102]

Aw, that's amazing. Thank you for being an overseas viewer!! We hope you like them all.

[@Shads5]

Wow! This is superb. Can’t wait for more content

[@tracingtherails]

Yay! Thank you!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@elvisspringsteen72]

Really enjoyed this. When I was a boy me and my brother would often be taken for walks along the old disused Henfield line that had once run at the end of my Aunty’s house. What we wouldn’t give to have those lines back today!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you. And yes, if only we had that line today.

[@charlespaterson9714]

Well done. This was an excellent pilot episode. I greatly appreciated the video effects overlaying past photographs on the current landscape. Very enjoyable narration. And as for the presenter's last name of Cranford. I grew up in Cranford, New Jersey in the US (original name was Crane's Ford, but rumor says the train conductors morphed it down to Cranford). The town contained a major facility for the Central Railroad of New Jersey with a raised railbed running through the center of town with twin high passenger platforms on the 4 track mainline w/2 passenger sidings making both platforms into islands as well as the roundhouse, coach and freight yards on top of a couple of junctions to other lines.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you Charles, and great coincidence about Cranford!!

[@moonshapedabsolution]

Great video!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@kineticrail]

I well put together lost railway video. I do enjoy these stories, I look forward to future videos

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you

[@fightersweep]

This is a very welcome channel. Well researched, professional, very interesting and perfectly presented. Have another subscriber and I'm looking forward to the next instalment.

[@stephencranford1102]

That's very kind of you to say. Thank you!

[@mikecondon9576]

This is a very well thought out production with high standards which makes it a pleasure to view. Making content is neither simple to source historic content nor indeed easy to create effective outcomes . Rail productions are highly demanding to create content that viewers expect. Luckily for me, I have a little knowledge of the area despite my residing location. Your program has given me new and expanded knowledge on West Grinstead. I will return again to the area and appreciate it even more thanks to your production. I like the creative ideas and the presenting is excellent. Well done to all involved and I look forward to future productions.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, Mike, for your kind comments. I'm pleased that you like it! Do subscribe to the channel so you'll get updated when we next release a video.

[@mikecondon9576]

Too late, I subscribed moments after I sent you my message. I will forward to seeing more of your content. All the best with your channel. @@stephencranford1102

[@hooligan1949]

What a brilliant production. I'm hooked and subscribed. Thanks.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@cd82156]

so many you tube videos are let down by poor narration, this is superb, great filming too. love the flashbacks and merging of images. subscribed and looking forward to more episodes.

[@stephencranford1102]

You're very kind, thank you

[@simoncurtis2376]

Very slick production. And great content. Subscribed !

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks Simon 😊

[@alanigel]

Brilliant episode, Stephen - and a Doctor Who reference too! Love it.

[@stephencranford1102]

It had to be done!! (The director let me put that one in... 😊)

[@andrewrogers4341]

Fascinating !! i have ridden this as part of the downs link, but never realised how much was there, great clip and very good use of effects thank you

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for watching. There are certainly lots of hidden stories and archive we can explore.

[@korma9732]

Could've been restored before 81, this is one line that should never have closed.

[@stephencranford1102]

It's really sad isn't it. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@oldschoolpaul73]

Really enjoyed that

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for watching!

[@geoffpartington1527]

Great stuff keep going

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks, Geoff!

[@peterjohnson1739]

Very interesting & well done. I look forward to seeing future episodes.

[@hywelmurray]

Part of line out of Shoreham is now a cycle path , My parents lived in Station Rd Steyning when I was born. Enjoyed this 👍

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

Brilliant! Thank you 👍

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you

[@stuartlast8156]

The old line between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth has some great bridges, track bed and one remaining station, might be worth a look for you sometime in the future.

[@stephencranford1102]

Sounds like a lovely idea. There are some real gems out there.

[@davidsunderland3265]

Superb! Really enjoyed this, bravo.

[@Pettsy68]

Excellent video...look forward to future releases.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for your kind words 🙏

[@htimsid]

Excellent!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you! :-)

[@JamesHodgson-v2r]

Very enjoyable and look forward to next one, I always enjoyed exploring old lines as a youngster and cycled the old track bed from Uckfield to Barcome Mills back in 82 before the route was cut by the bypass and was still relatively clear of vegetation (still had the ballast in place). Pre internet I never realised so many folk shared my rather unusual hobby and never thought TV programs would be made about it. Julia Bradbury made a similar show called railway walks a few years ago

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks for your lovely comments. Yes, the Lewes to Uckfield like would certainly be a good one to investigate too.

[@richardsymonds5159]

The trouble with the Julia walks is they just showed her walking a track bed and I was always left wondering where she was! Please do not repeat that mistake Stephen, as I have said previously your approach is quite unique and invites us all to want more.

[@JamesHodgson-v2r]

Perhaps you do a program about the cookoo line - Polegate to Heathfield which is now a cycle / walkers track, quite a lot there still to see, several station buildings still intact etc

[@johncassels3475]

Excellent. Very nicely done indeed. Looking forward to more. Thanks.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks, John!

[@wbblelebbw9678]

I enjoyed that very much. I agree with others about the lack of an overview map and the opening titles were a bit over the top and long but I look forward to future episodes.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for your comments. For the forthcoming episodes we will certainly be including maps!

[@andyhunt628]

I usually start watching videos on KZbin and then fast forward through just to see the interesting bits, but. I didn't this one !. Full of interest and well made.

[@stephencranford1102]

Aw, that's very kind of you to say. Feedback like yours is always very useful. We've hoped we have got the mood about right for the subject we're covering.

[@richardvoogd705]

Well done, and the song near the end was a nice touch.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for your kind comments.

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

I enjoyed watching your video. I did find the intro a bit too flashy with too many moving images. I found the speech to be at the correct volume and presentation speed. The production came across very slick. The inclusion of maps of the country. County and local areas might have helped. I'm looking forward to watching more from yourselves.

[@tracingtherails]

It was my fault. We had maps on the original edit and I made some improvements and forgot to put them back on. Its the little things that get us eh?! Thanks so much for watching and for feeding back. Do look forward to proper maps when we start filming the series early spring. _ Chris

[@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway]

@tracingtherails Hi Chris. I'm pleased you took my comments as they were meant to be constructive. I have subscribed and shared it with two of my friends who have also subscribed. I know I'm a fine one as my channel is nothing to speak about, I was bullied into it, really. Still, it's all a bit of fun.

[@MegaMargy1]

Great memories of West Grinstead station and The Tabby Cat! 😊

[@darrelhendrie]

Great first video. You've done a good job well presented, well edited, very interesting and informative. Looking forward to more.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, Darrel.

[@oldgoat5589]

Refreshing change from the usual run-of-the mill railway walks. I eagerly await the next one. Thank you

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@markwoodman997]

Excellent and informative content throughout.Very well shot and edited, plus, as a professional sound guy, excellent sound quality - an area that so often lets down otherwise good KZbin videos. Well done, looking forward to future episodes!.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, Mark. Yes, it's a bug bear of mine, too. We use Sennheiser radio mics and Rode shotguns and Sony HD cameras. Seems to have worked well for us. Thanks for your kind comments.

[@philclennell]

An excellent and professional presentation - congratulations! I will be eagerly awaiting the next instalment.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks, Phil! Hopefully it won't be too long until Ep1 is released.

[@davidbailey533]

Enjoyed it immensely hope it becomes a series

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks David. We are planning an initial 6 part series. If that's popular enough we hope more can be made.

[@davidbailey533]

@@stephencranford1102 Brilliant to hear that keep up the excellent work

[@bobevansIW]

Excellent start to a series, keep it up!

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you. The filming schedule is being prepared for the Spring.

[@template16]

A very interesting and watchable video.Particularly liked the parts where you were placed at the sites as they were back in the day.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you very much for your kind comments.

[@stuartlast8156]

Great, looking forward to the rest ! 👍

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!

[@grahamchadwick5242]

Great video and liked the way you had the old backdrop behind you looking forward to more episodes

[@tracingtherails]

Thank you for watching it and supporting it :)

[@chrisharris9505]

What a lovely well presented piece. I live near Steyning so it’s great to know more about the history of the area .

[@stephencranford1102]

Thanks, Chris. Make sure you subscribe to get notifications about the full episodes when they're released.

[@breakitbreakit9765]

Fantastic video and great production, putting yourself in the old pics ect...

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you for the lovely comments. We wanted to try and make it different to existing programmes out there.

[@jamesdoe1479]

Great video Stephen, looking forward to the next one.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you, James

[@utterlee]

Such a nicely researched and put together video and a lovely relaxed and engaging presenting style. Nice work.

[@stephencranford1102]

Thank you!