BAGDContext CSM

Here is a map of the Tokyo railway network…it’s fantastically mysterious. I can see the circular line which defines the central Tokyo area…and the bay, and the airport.

I like the map more for not being able to understand it! Indeed, my whole approach to our trip will to be, “lost in translation.”

I’m looking forward to exploring the multi-story stations and the different parts of the railway network. I have found two railway museums toi visit and, conveniently, they are at both ends of a high-speed  line. Perfect.

We have our Japan Rail passes ready. Let’s hit the rails.

Here is a “fast” looking railway poster from Switzerland; simple and dramatic. Very good.

The Amrican artist, Bill Morrison, has made a film from clips of historic British documentary films about trains. The film has a soundtrack of Steve Reich’s, Diferent Trains (1988).

The world premiere of this new film will be held at Edge Hill, Liverpool, later this year.

Morrison did something similar with film footage of the coal mining industry in Britain’s North East…the film is called, The Miners’ Hymns, and has music by Johann Johannson.

That was terrific. So, I have high-hopes for the new one.

Reich’s composition contrasts the railways of Europe and America during WW2. It’s a way of drawing attention to the terrible efficiency of the railway system and of how the timetable gave administrative and practical support to the extermination of millions.

Lars von Trier made a film about this same subject, called Europa (1991).

The so-called live TV show uses footage found on the web…I guess it was always bound to be spotted; that’s what spotters do!

A fun headline, up to the usual standards.

What could be better? I love the white highlighting around the driving wheels…like white wall tyres. Very chic.

Think of Polanski’s, Chinatown (1974)…

And Cord cars, from the USA…

The front wrap-arond grill is staight from Virilio’s Bunker years…brutal and sophisticated.

I hope the BBC get to explore the fabulous history of railway catering…I would like to do that.

Most of the enthusiasts seem to like a packed lunch and a thermos. I don’t mind, but not every day!

Here’s a lovely neon from Paris.

The BBC have just started their three-day Trainspotting Live broadcast. This provides for a magazine format programme built around the idea of slow, real time, TV. Like Springwatch, but without the animals.

I thought it was quite engaging…the various hosts, gathered around Peter Snow, were certainly enthusiastic, and there was plenty of expertise from the NRM.

Like all magazine formats, the first film seemed to flit about…its always a bit frustrating when something interesting is given up for the schedule of the programme. The moving swiftly on becomes an end in itself, and like a buffet, they are heavy on the variety.

There were a number of problems with sound, and the whole thing was a bit Blue Peter, if you know what I mean.

No one called themselves a trainspotter. Nowadays, they prefer the term, rail enthusiast. The spotter comes across as a bit obsessed and a bit limited….but the programme didn’t get much beyond the here and now of the engines on camera.

The BBC have an amazing archive of railway films of their iplayer. You can see it, here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/group/p01277qd

Happy viewing.

Very lovely slightly stretched painted lettering on this old wooden subway car from NYC…