The R. M. Ballantyne Library

Episodes

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  The Iron Horse Chapter 1 - Treats of the Engine-Driver’s House and Household 10.09.2026 29m

  In which we are introduced to the sturdy and affectionate Marrot family, who make their home beside the thunderous and rattling Grand National Trunk Railway embankment, living amid the constant clamour and vibrations of passing trains. Amidst the noise and perpetual tremors, the household’s bonds are quietly revealed through tender moments, as the father returns home bearing a slight injury yet finds comfort in the peaceful slumber of his beloved children.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 2 - The Driver Visits a Little Elderly Gentlewoman and Prepares the Iron Horse for Action 10.09.2026 40m

  In which John Marrot enjoys a brief domestic respite filled with playful chaos and tender family moments before duty calls him back to the steam and bustle of the railway shed, where meticulous preparations and strict regulations govern the life of locomotives and their drivers. Meanwhile, kindness and camaraderie extend beyond the rails, as John seeks aid for a fellow railwayman’s ailing wife, revealing the human warmth that resides alongside the iron discipline of the railway world.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 3 - In Which the Widow Holds Converse With a Captain 11.09.2026 27m

  In which we are introduced to the gentle widow Mrs Captain Tipps and her devoted son Joseph, whose lives are marked by quiet struggles and unexpected acts of kindness, while a chance meeting at a bustling station kindles a sudden and profound admiration in young Edwin Gurwood. As the iron horse begins its steady journey across the countryside, mysteries and emotional currents quietly intertwine amidst the hum of a busy railway station.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 4 - A Double Dilemma and Its Consequences 11.09.2026 13m

  In which a young gentleman, unexpectedly embroiled in a misunderstanding during his railway journey, encounters a kindly captain and faces a moment of acute distress as he is detained by a sharp-eyed detective. The narrative softly unfolds the protagonist’s reflective musings on past missteps and his earnest resolve to embrace a diligent future amidst the changing fortunes of life’s adventure.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 5 - An Accident and Its Consequences 12.09.2026 23m

  In which an evening at a temporary railway station unfolds with Mr Tipps nervously coping amid the bustle of passengers and the vigilant scrutiny of the ever-observant Inspector Sharp. A sudden shunting mishap threatens disaster, leading to a dramatic collision that tests the courage and resourcefulness of all present, yet concludes with the unexpected calm after the storm and reflections on the challenges and triumphs of railway travel.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 6 - History of the Iron Horse Part 1 12.09.2026 25m

  In which we take a reflective excursion through the history and development of the Iron Horse, tracing the humble beginnings of railways from horse-drawn tramways to the revolutionary steam locomotives and the transformative advent of the railway age. The narrative honours the visionaries and engineers whose persistent ingenuity gave shape to this marvel, before marvelling at the vast changes wrought upon travel and commerce by the spread of iron roads across the realm.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 6 - History of the Iron Horse Part 2 13.09.2026 31m

  In which the boundless triumphs and trials of railway construction are unfolded, from the steadfast navvies to the heroic engineering feats of tunnels and bridges that conquer nature’s obstacles and sceptics’ doubts. We journey through stirring tales of determination and ingenuity in great works such as the Kilsby Tunnel and the Britannia Bridge, whilst glimpsing the marvel of the subterranean Metropolitan Railway beneath London’s bustling streets, heralding a new era of rapid and reliable communication.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 7 - Little Gertie Comes Out in a New Light, and Bob Receives Good News 13.09.2026 15m

  In which John Marrot, a seasoned engine-driver, suffers a painful injury that brings his family and railway colleagues together in a tender display of care and concern, while his son Bob receives exciting news about a promising appointment. The household grows animated with talk of grand industrial marvels and unsettled suspicions, as visits and plans for a tour of the mighty works are made, blending the domestic with the stirring world of iron and steam.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 8 - Mrs Marrot and Bob Visit the Great Clatterby “Works" Part 1 14.09.2026 22m

  In which the industrious visitors, Mrs Marrot and her son Bob, behold the astonishing Grand National Trunk Railway works, where a multitude of trades unite, and steam-powered machinery performs tasks with such vigour and speed as to surpass all previous notions of manual labour. They explore the bustling timber and smiths’ departments, marvel at the enormous mechanical saws and hammers, and witness the remarkable skill and organisation by which each component is fashioned with precision, making a profound impression upon their minds.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 8 - Mrs Marrot and Bob Visit the Great Clatterby “Works" Part 2 14.09.2026 20m

  In which Mrs Marrot and her son Bob are taken on a thorough tour of the vast and bustling locomotive works, where iron is forged, shaped, and transformed into the various parts of a railway engine amid the clang and roar of steam-hammers and machinery. Their wonder unveils the impressive scale and intricate craft involved in producing wheels, rails, carriages, and locomotives, leaving them both awe-struck and keenly aware of the hidden marvels behind every train journey.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 9 - Concerning Domestic Economy and Difficulties—Surprises and Explanations 15.09.2026 21m

  In which the practical difficulties of household budgeting are candidly explored through the endeavours of the good Mrs Tipps, as she strives amid unforeseen expenses and tender family moments to reconcile her careful calculations with the pressing demands on her purse. Meanwhile, the arrival of Edwin Gurwood introduces a curious misunderstanding that soon resolves into promising new friendships and hopeful prospects, touched by the charm of youthful affection.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 10 - Sharp Practice 15.09.2026 16m

  In which the indefatigable Superintendent Mr Sharp, guardian of the railway’s integrity, devises a clever plan to uncover the perpetrators of a series of thefts at Gorton station, while engaging in a discourse about the challenges and triumphs of railway security. Meanwhile, he attends to the delicate matter of compensation claims following a railway mishap, contrasting the earnest injured with the more troublesome, ambitious victims of nerve shock.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 11 - Sharp Practice—Continued 16.09.2026 19m

  In which the indefatigable Mr Sharp pursues the furtive art of uncovering pilferers among railway men, employing keen observation and stratagem to expose hidden misdeeds amid the dimming light of evening. Amidst a vigil beneath the moon and whispered confidences, he illuminates not only the shadows cast by wrongdoing but also upholds the honour of the many steadfast guardians of the line.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 12 - Loo’s Garden 16.09.2026 12m

  In which the preparations for Mrs Durby’s journey to London are detailed amidst affectionate reminiscences and community concerns, culminating in a visit to the Marrots’ charming garden oasis nestled by the lively railway. Amidst lively conversation and gentle humour, trust is placed in the gallant engine-driver of the rapid “Flying Dutchman” to escort the nurse safely on her way.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 14 - Which Is Too Full of Varied Matter to Be Briefly Described Part 1 17.09.2026 19m

  In which we are taken aboard the mighty “Flying Dutchman,” where the engine’s thunderous speed and intricate design impress all who dare to stand close, even as its driver faces peril on the rails. Meanwhile, within the carriages, a sudden and violent struggle ensues, casting a shadow over the serenity of the express journey.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 13 - Treats of Railway Literature, Sleepy Porters, Crowded Platforms, Foolish Passengers, and Other Matters 17.09.2026 22m

  In which we observe the devoted care of John Marrot, the engine-driver, as he prepares his iron horse for a journey charged with responsibility and strict regulations, while the bustling Clatterby station becomes the scene of near mishaps, strategic observations, and the swift rescue of Mrs Durby from danger. Amidst these lively proceedings, a trio of suspicious gentlemen plot with misguided certainty, setting the stage for an intricate encounter aboard the train that follows.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 14 - Which Is Too Full of Varied Matter to Be Briefly Described Part 2 18.09.2026 11m

  In which the intrepid young Edwin displays remarkable courage and strength in quelling a violent disturbance aboard a high-speed train, while the vigilance of the railway police and the swift communication of the telegraph bring about the prompt apprehension of the culprits. The narrative then turns to a reflective appreciation of the engine-driver's skill and the demanding care required to maintain the powerful locomotive, juxtaposed with the poignant plight of a nervous passenger left bereft of her precious parcel amidst the chaos.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 15 - Treats of Mrs Durby’s Lost Parcel in Particular, and of Lost-Luggage in General 18.09.2026 9m

  In which Edwin Gurwood endeavours to trace a lost parcel belonging to Mrs Durby, leading to a fascinating exploration of the labyrinthine world of the railway’s lost-luggage office, where forgotten belongings tell countless intriguing stories. The gentle kindness of Netta brings comfort amidst the distress caused by the misadventure, as the parties involved reconcile with the mishap and its consequences.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 16 - Describes Engineering Difficulties, a Perplexing Case, and a Harmonious Meeting 19.09.2026 29m

  In which Captain Lee journeys to London, attending a railway meeting and introducing his friend Edwin Gurwood to a new appointment, whilst grappling with a delicate matter of aiding mutual acquaintances in distress. The narrative then unfolds the intricate workings of the Grand National Trunk Railway’s management and impresses upon the reader the vast scale and remarkable efficiency of railway operations in this industrious age.
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  The Iron Horse Chapter 17 - Gertie Is Mysteriously Cared for—Sam Natly Dines Under Difficulties in Connexion With the Block System 19.09.2026 26m

  In which a mysterious benefactor arranges for little Gertie to receive the skilled tuition of Miss Netta Tipps, much to the consternation and curiosity of her mother, whilst the industrious signalman Sam Natly balances the demanding duties of his post with a kindly friendship towards the child. The episode draws a vivid picture of railway life through Sam’s attentive management of the block signalling system and his warm domestic scene, blending the human element with the workings of the Iron Horse’s domain.