Social media sensation Francis Bourgeois has unveiled a heartfelt tribute to his girlfriend, family, and friends as his long-held dream of restoring a train comes to fruition in a new television documentary. The 25-year-old content creator, renowned for his exuberant trainspotting videos and a background as a Rolls Royce-trained engineer, is set to return to TV screens with what he describes as his 'biggest ever' project.
A Personal Journey Rooted in Family History
Francis Bourgeois' latest venture delves deep into his personal history, with the restoration of a Class 37 diesel locomotive holding significant emotional weight. His great-great-uncle, Torquil, played a pivotal role in the 1960s as chairman of the Kyle Line Defence Committee, tirelessly campaigning to save the railway line from closure. This legacy has inspired Francis to embark on an ambitious mission to bring the train back into service, investing his own funds into the project.
Collaboration with Chris Harris and the Restoration Process
Teaming up with former Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, Francis has recruited a team of volunteers at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway in Scotland. The duo kicked off their restoration journey by spending hours scraping muck from four giant wheels, a task that not only advanced the project but also cemented their friendship. The documentary, titled Francis Bourgeois and Chris Harris: We Saved a Train, follows their efforts to get the locomotive running in time for its inaugural tour to Inverness and Lochalsh.
A Sweet Gesture for Loved Ones
Ahead of the show's release, Francis shared exclusive details with the Daily Mirror's Screen Time team about his plans to honour his girlfriend, parents, and close friends. He revealed that he intends to reserve seats for them on the train's very first outing, should the restoration succeed. "I'm going to ensure they have seats on the inaugural run," Francis stated, emphasising the personal significance of the journey. He added, "There is a chance that we might not be able to get to Kyle of Lochalsh, but we're still pushing for it," referring to the route his ancestor fought to preserve.
Premiere Details and Broader Career Highlights
The first episode of the documentary is scheduled to air on April 7 at 9pm on QUEST, with new episodes releasing weekly. This project adds to Francis Bourgeois' growing portfolio in the spotlight, which includes modelling for high-profile fashion brands like Gucci and his recent announcement as one of three new hosts for an upcoming season of The Grand Tour. His distinctive videos, capturing unbridled joy through a head-mounted camera, have catapulted him to superstardom, making this restoration series a highly anticipated addition to his career.
Viewers can look forward to witnessing the challenges and triumphs of the restoration process, as Francis and Chris work against the clock to revive the Class 37 locomotive. The series promises to blend technical expertise with emotional storytelling, highlighting Francis' dedication to his family's legacy and his commitment to sharing this milestone with his loved ones.
