The Cornish Main Line runs through more than 70 miles of diverse and picturesque landscapes, overcoming challenging terrain by means of numerous tunnels and viaducts. In recent years the railway has retained much of its character with BR era rolling stock, mechanical signalling, and the unique china clay operations still very much in evidence.
The last decade has also seen huge investment and renewal, notable for the introduction of more frequent services on the Cornish Main Line and the replacement of HSTs with the new Hitachi-built Intercity Express Trains. Infrastructure has been modernised and much of the familiar mechanical signalling is due to be decommissioned.