RIGHT ON TRACK: Famous trains

Chris Tarrant boards The Xmas Express (9pm, Ch5), taking in the snowy scenery of Scandinavia. Here, we look at some of the most famous trains to have rolled on screen…

The General (1926) Buster Keaton’s roaring silent comedy was inspired by a real train chase that took place during the American Civil War, in 1862. Keaton is the driver giving chase to a stolen train, first on foot, then by handcar, bicycle and, eventually, another train.

The Titfield Thunderbolt (1953) Classic Ealing comedy about plucky villagers, including Stanley Holloway, who run their own line when their branch is threatened with closure – not without mishap and incident.

Murder On The Orient Express (1974) Albert Finney stars as Hercule Poirot (left) in this lavish adaptation of Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, set on board the world’s most famous luxury train. An equally star-studded remake is currently in production, and is set for release next year.

Thomas The Tank Engine (1984) Beloved of generations of children, the books were first published in 1945, and Thomas and his pals have chugged along on screen since 1984. Catch seasonal episodes of Thomas & Friends on Ch5 over the festive week.

The Polar Express (2004) Spectacular animated adventure in which a boy boards a train bound for the North Pole – and over the course of a magical Christmas Eve, he has his faith in Santa restored.