The opening of the pioneering Liverpool & Manchester Railway in 1830 marked the beginning of the railways' vital role in changing the face of Britain. Fire & Steam" celebrates the vision & determination of the ambitious Victorian pioneers who developed this revolutionary transport system & the navvies who cut through the land to enable a countrywide network to emerge. From the early days of steam to electrification via the railways' magnificent contribution in two world wars the chequered history of British Rail & the buoyant future of the train " Fire & Steam" examines the social & economical importance of the railway & how it helped to form the Britain of today."