Francis Bourgeois & Chris Harris: We Saved a Train

Season 1

Train enthusiast Francis Bourgeois tackles his toughest project yet: restoring a wrecked locomotive to fulfill a lifelong dream. Fellow engineering nerd Chris Harris joins him, bringing speed expertise and a no-nonsense approach.

Where to Watch Francis Bourgeois & Chris Harris: We Saved a Train • Season 1

8 Episodes

Diesel in Distress
E1
Diesel in DistressFrancis takes Chris to the world's biggest train show in an effort to recruit him for the epic restoration of wrecked railway royalty. But is Chris wowed enough to agree to six months tackling supersized mechanics and massive engineering obstacles?
Bare Metal Deadline
E2
Bare Metal DeadlineFrancis and Chris are up against the clock when they have just 48 hours to strip their class 37 locomotive ready for painting, but will a dramatic train journey derail their mad dash to cut out rot, weld in fresh metal and remove every window handle and sign?
The Wheels Come Off
E3
The Wheels Come OffUp in Scotland, Chris and Francis help transform their locomotive with a stunning paint job. However celebrations are ruined by two huge setbacks with the wheels down in Devon. The time and cost implications could be disastrous for the restoration.
The Missing Wheel
E4
The Missing WheelWhen a scrapped wheel causes delays and a financial hit of £10,000, Francis and Chris leave no stone unturned to help save their loco project. But will the high-risk replacement of the loco's last wheel destroy their diesel restoration dream?
12 Tonne Jigsaw
E5
12 Tonne JigsawChris and Francis are keen to make up the time lost to damaged wheels but it won't be easy. Assembling a 12-tonne bogie and fixing a leak in the braking system are not jobs to rush, but the clock is ticking. The technical minds of Francis and Isla are used to calculate the air volume to pressure ratio of permissible air loss in the braking system of the train.
Power Play
E6
Power PlayThe duo install an electric traction motor capable of 8000 lb/ft of torque. Inspiration for an inaugural tour for 37025 comes from an emotional trip along the stunning line to the Kyle of Lochalsh, 37025's old stomping ground and a line saved by Francis's Great Great Uncle.
The 189 Litre V12
E7
The 189 Litre V12The day finally arrives when Chris and Francis attempt to start 025's engine, but after two years of silence there's no guarantee it'll work.
The Return of the Stag
E8
The Return of the StagWith the Fort William tour 4 weeks away, Chris, Francis and the Bo'ness team race to reunite 37025's 65 tonne body with her bogies. Will she pass the rigorous tests needed before she can go into service? Any failure will scupper their Highland dreams.