The National Coal Board (NCB) Film Unit is one of Britain's most substantial and long-lasting industrial film units. The following is an informative film giving an explanation of the large and complex layout of a modern mine. Featuring Westoe Colliery in north Durham, helicopter shots of the surface lead into an account of the roadway and ventilation systems. This is explained using miniature models, diagrams and an underground tour of the mine by an apprentice. Title - Colliery...

The National Coal Board (NCB) Film Unit is one of Britain's most substantial and long-lasting industrial film units. The following is an informative film giving an explanation of the large and complex layout of a modern mine. Featuring Westoe Colliery in north Durham, helicopter shots of the surface lead into an account of the roadway and ventilation systems. This is explained using miniature models, diagrams and an underground tour of the mine by an apprentice. Title - Colliery Layout Underground Men from Westoe coal mine are shown to be carried into the pit on small trains while large amounts of coal are being tipped into transporting trains and being shipped off around the country. On a map, a man illustrates the location of Westoe and its surrounding area. He identifies where the shafts and ventilation systems are on the mine and discusses this with a group of other miners sitting around a table. From a helicopter, the film shows the three housing estates around the coal mine as well as the sea which is close by. A narrator explains how important the surrounding area was in planning the design of Wetoe coal mine. Using illustration, the film demonstrates how long wall mining is achieved in the pit and how they created the permanent roadways underground. The haulage roads are shown to be used not only to transport material, but also for the transport of men. Looking at a miniature model of the coal pit, a miner explains the ventilation system and how it is controlled. Going into the mine, an experienced miner quizzes the apprentice miners on the information that has already been given to them. The film finishes with a wide helicopter shot of the mine and the sea as the credits role. Title - Camera Eddie Tilling, Cyril Arapoff Editor Carol James Title - Assistants Terrence Lock, John Davey, Ivan Basford, James Niblett Title - Director Stanley Goulder Producer Francis Gysin Title - Made by the National Coal Board Film Unit 1969