Trivia / Oh, Doctor Beeching!

• Creator Couple: Ivor Roberts' wife Jessica played his onscreen wife (also named Jessica) in "The Van".
• The Danza: Jessica Thomas from "The Van" was played by Jessica Roberts.
• Descended Creator: Series co-creator Richard Spendlove appeared in many episodes as Mr. Orkindale, the District Inspector.
• Irony as She Is Cast: Perry Benson was cast as Ralph, the trainee engine driver who was always too hard on the brakes. In reality, Benson had become a skilled engine driver throughout filming and could stop perfectly on any mark.
• The Other Darrin: May Skinner was played by Sherrie Hewson in the unbroadcast Pilot, and by Julia Deakin in the series.
• What Could Have Been: David Croft had hoped for Jimmy Perry to co-write with him and Richard Spendlove, but Perry dropped off after a few days. He wasn't interested as he didn't like trains.
• Write What You Know: Co-writer Richard Spendlove had been a railwayman, signaller, and stationmaster for thirty years.

---