This time-lapse film made by a schoolboy on the 9th March 1985 documents the 45 minute train journey from Gateshead to Hexham. The film was made to coincide with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Blaydon to Hexham section of the line. The film is shot from the back of a Class 101 Diesel Multiple Unit train, and the duration of the journey captured in a single take. Footage from the journey starts from Gateshead, whilst the train departed on the route from Newcastle...

This time-lapse film made by a schoolboy on the 9th March 1985 documents the 45 minute train journey from Gateshead to Hexham. The film was made to coincide with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the opening of the Blaydon to Hexham section of the line. The film is shot from the back of a Class 101 Diesel Multiple Unit train, and the duration of the journey captured in a single take. Footage from the journey starts from Gateshead, whilst the train departed on the route from Newcastle Central Station. Pulling away from Gateshead, the train passes the newly-opened Dunston Station; no passengers alight or board the train. It then passes the newly constructed Metro Centre. Next, the “Raines” engineering factory near the mouth of the River Derwent. The train also passes two short branch lines, one either side of the Derwent, the former still in use for coal trains (on what is now the Ikea Store site), the latter to the recently closed Derwenthaugh Coke Works – also now closed. After Blaydon station the train passes the Stella Power Station, still active in 1985, now demolished. This was served by coal trains, the points still visible. Past the cooling is Addison crossing box, still manned, however this is now closed and demolished. At Wylam, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, and Riding Mill Stations, people are gathering to watch the steam train that passes in the other direction shortly after Riding Mill Station, as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations. On arriving at Hexham Station, a Class 31 Loco is in a siding. Having arrived, passengers and bystanders wait at the station. The train the film was shot on departs back to Newcastle.