The Rise & Fall of RTV 31 - Hovertrain Documentary

RTV 31 – The Hovertrain, an ambitious 1970s project that was to revolutionise land travel in the UK.

Scientists, engineers and technicians from Cambridgshire developed the technology alongside Professor Eric Laithwaite in their bid to see the dream of high-speed land travel (300mph) become a reality.

Tracked Hovercraft Ltd had the foresight to document testing of the full-size prototype between Earith and Sutton on 35mm film – most of which has never been seen by the public… until now!

Fenland on Film’s mission is to produce a feature-length documentary that comprehensively tells the story of RTV 31, the UK Hovertrain along with the people involved through thousands of feet of recently re-discovered 35mm film footage and newly shot interviews.

Your donation will help us undertake the following:

- Professional cleaning, 4K scanning and digital restoration of the re-discovered 35mm film material

- Film new interviews with those involved with the project

- Undertake filming on location

- Cover production costs associated with newly filmed content

- Pay for licensing to use film material associated with RTV 31 not in our collection of films

- Cover editing, publishing and marketing costs

When donating, be sure to include your name as we'll give you an on-screen credit in the "Special Thanks" section of the end credits.

Our primary goal is to raise enough money to preserve and restore the content on the film reels - if we fail to raise enough money to produce a documentary as envisioned, we'll do what we can with what we have.