The BBC’s latest big wheeze: Trainspotting live from the trackside
TRAINSPOTTING is known as a curiously British hobby that often requires patience, an eye for detail, and a fetching anorak.
But its niche and somewhat nerdy appeal hasn’t put the BBC off – as they have dedicated a programme to the pursuit, broadcast live in real time.
In a move likely to delight rail enthusiasts, Trainspotting Live is set to air on BBC Four over the course of three nights with veteran host Peter Snow and a group of experts.
The programme, will see Mr Snow hosting from Didcot Heritage Railway Centre alongside mathematician Dr Hannah Fry as they comment on live trains passing, while presenter Dick Strawbridge is stationed at different spots across the country.
The newly-commissioned show is the latest to follow the trend of ‘ slow TV’ – relaxing, undemanding viewing often shot in real time.
Recent hits on BBC Four have included former Top Gear pre- senter James May putting a disassembled lawnmower back together, as well as a boat trip along the Kennet and Avon canal that was watched by an audience of half a million.
Mr Snow and the experts will comment on the variety of trains caught on camera, as they hope to see engines ranging from classic steam and diesel locomotives to high-speed electric. The public are also being asked to help out by filming their own trainspotting adventures, which may then be used on the show.
Although niche, the premise about a subject ‘so close to the nation’s heart’ is said to be ‘not just a show for trainspotters’, and will be aimed at anyone with a passion for British history, travel and engineering.
Mr Snow said: ‘Even more exciting than watching election results come in is watching glorious trains speed past on a major railway line. And if it happens to be a steam engine passing by – what a bonus!’
Earlier this year, trainspotters turned out in their thousands for the inaugural run of perhaps the country’s most beloved train – The Flying Scotsman.
But the steam locomotive’s first journey following a decadelong, £4.2million refit came to a shuddering stop in Cambridgeshire as overexcited enthusiasts got on to the track.
Around 60 trespassers blocked the train near St Neots as the 90-year- old train left London King’s Cross on a route to York.