B & R Volumes 1 to 6

Q. Where are the missing Volumes 1 to 6?

A. They have not been available since the early 1990s because they are poor quality. When B & R first started producing their archive steam videos, they did not have (very expensive) professional video editing equipment. So these first 6 videos (which include archive steam scenes and early preservation scenes) were mastered directly onto VHS tape. However their picture & sound quality compares badly with Volume 7 and above (mastered with professional Umatic equipment). So B & R quickly withdrew Volumes 1 to 6 from the market. I've been producing the sleeve masters for B & R since around the time the original VHS Volume 18 was released and I'd never seen or sold a copy of any of the Volumes 1 to 6 until April 2009 when as a favour, Ray was kind enough to make some copies of them for my private use!!!

For archive purposes, B & R made DVD copies of the VHS masters for these volumes. They were not usually made available for sale and as a special favour to Wolverton Rail, B & R would make copies available to my customers but only those who would otherwise have the complete set. They used to be available only to special order.

But then it all changed. on 1st.April 2025, when Wolverton Rail took over B&R Video. I fully understand the reasons why they had been originally withdrawn from sale. I have done for years and respect the decision to withdraw them from sale. Yes they are not up to the standard of the Vol.7 and later releases. But I have seen far worse from other publshers over the years. They are not that bad.

So I have made them available for general sale. Yes they are not up top the standard of the later Vol.7 and above but I'll say again, they are not that bad. I've seen far, far worse over the years.

So you can purchase them even if you don't already have the complete collection.

But there is a proviso. Please don't expect them to be the same quality as the rest of the range of B&R DVDs. By buying any of them you accept this.