Report on Modernisation - BTF film from 1959

In troubled times i have been seeking out films and youtube videos that have absolutely nothing to do with modern life. I want to be taken to a more innocent and hopeful time and British Transport Films are not only perfect for some nostalgia but also Modernism spotting.

You know a film entitled ‘Report on Modernism’ from 1959 is going to yield some goodies but for Manchester fans and followers there are some real delights in this film.

Seeing as the whole line from Manchester Oxford Road to Crewe was modernised in the late 1950’s it was bound to feature. We see the now demolished Wilmslow signal box - the most modern in Britain at the time apparently. A tantalising glimpse of a train shed at Longsight made from laminated timber - as at Oxford Road. Dont know if this shed still exists but it looks fascinating. There are clips of East Didsbury station looking very sleek and crisp. Look out for the beautiful station names signs - possibly in black glass? Now all gone.

We see Radcliffe Central looking very European but again the vast majority of the station has been demolished and a miserly and miserable Metrolink stop is in its place.

Finally we see great footage of Oxford Road Station being built with its unclad roof structure and the demolition of the old London Road Station - to be replaced by Piccadilly.

There was a second part to the ‘Report on Modernisation’ two years later - also with footage of Oxford Road and Manchester.

Enjoy.