RAILSTUFF is based
in Brisbane, Australia. Founded in 1999, it produces only video. Early productions were in VHS, but all production
is now in DVD.
Offerings reflect the proprietor's interests in steam, electric railways, and trams. Some productions also include
diesel traction, but in most cases as an ancillary only. Subjects include railways and tramways in Australia, Europe,
and India.
RAILSTUFF productions portray the trains or trams
in their working environment; they are not confined to repetitive "standard three-quarter" views from
the immediate lineside. Dramatic scenery is exploited for picturesque views; urban and rural landscapes are depicted
sympathetically. Extensive lineside coverage of the subject does not neglect other aspects of the subject matter.
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Depending on available material and
opportunities, productions may also include on-train footage, operational activities such as crosses, station working,
or shunting, and even footage of passengers or the local populace. In general, the regular services and everyday
enviroment is portrayed, much as a casual visitor or resident would see it.
A typical RAILSTUFF production opens with a descriptive overview,
sketching the history of the subject. Novel technical details (where applicable), such as system of electrification, rack system,
unusual motive power or rollingstock, are covered. The narrative is supported by stills or
video clips without sound, and in some cases by vintage photographs. Chapters covering the main themes then follow;
the number depends on the length of the production. If a single line is the subject, the route is traced (in one
or both directions) from the lineside, and frequently on-train as well. Extensive systems may be represented by
a selected line or lines; some tramway systems gain a comprehensive coverage showing all or most lines.
All commentary is in ENGLISH, even for subjects filmed in non-English-speaking countries. Most videos have a .pdf
file on the disk, containing additional information and graphical data. A printed insert includes tabular data,
sources of further information, and description. |
