I purchased this Blu Ray disc showing steam in Poland (Plandampf Polska) after visiting Wolsztyn in February this year. The picture and sound quality is excellent, full HD video with switchable narration, steam hauled passenger and freight trains are shown at various locations during summer 2009 on the lines around Wolsztyn, a unique record of what is still today one of the last locations in Europe where steam hauled trains operate every day.

Another gem from Highball Productions. The action is real, these are not excursion trains but daily services. There is a brief look at the nitty-gritty, including arc-welding in the workshop, and a bit of shunting in the yard (albeit by a vintage diesel).

The mainline steamers effortlessly tug passenger loads through gorgeous scenery. On a goods train, a 2-8-0 performs a wheel-slipping take-off. I think it was doing more work than the vintage diesel banking at the rear of the train. There is also a brief segment of tender-first working.

Most of the photography is shot from angles that show off the rods, and there is a mix of wide shots (for mood and context) and close-ups (rods and wheels, wheels and rods!). The sound is crisp and the narration is occasional and unobtrusive; just remember to select it “on”.