Ukrainian Steam Odyssey

ONE of Britain’s leading railway film producers, Nick Dodson, of Railfilms Ltd, has teamed up with American cameraman Bruce Anderson to raise money for humanitarian aid in Ukraine by producing a DVD of steam filmed in the early 21st century.

Most shots were of a main line rail tour in the depths of winter and features several classes of 5ft (Russian) gauge locomotives mainly of Russian origin. These include classes So 2-10-0, L 2-10-0, Su 2-6-2, Ye 2-10-0, E 0-10-0, FD 2-10-2 and double-headed P36s 4-8-4 brought over from Belarus especially. The 75mm narrow gauge Haivoron Railway appears in an interesting comparison with an Su running alongside.

The sight and sound of these engines working in a beautiful winter landscape, set against snapshots of everyday life of the citizens of the country, is fascinating.

The choice of locations is excellent, particularly the scenic shots in the snowy Carpathian Mountains.

Presently, Ukraine Railways is playing its part to safely transport families who are fleeing this wartorn country to the safety of other European countries.

The aim is to raise £2000 from the sale of the DVD, with all profits going to the charity Barnardo’s after tax and duplication costs. Everyone who worked on the production have waived their fees.

Not only do you get to help Barnardo’s, but you also have a very well-shot video of what Ukraine had to offer railway enthusiast in peaceful times. Should anything be left of Ukraine’s Railways infrastructure after Russia’s aggression, it is hoped that we will once again enjoy railtours in this wonderful country.

A preview can be watched at https://youtu.be/eNT6OMqH1yU RARE INSIGHT TO RELIEVE SUFFERING