Britain's Light Railways
The light railways of Britain had a character and charm all their own. In many respects they were the poor country cousins of the railway age, built and run on the cheap, never attempting to match the grandeur of the mighty main lines. Yet they did an important job and did it well, bringing the railway age to the remoter parts of the British Isles and filling the gaps left by the major companies. They came in all shapes and sizes, from standard gauge down to the diminutive 15 inch of the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway and included in their ranks such oddities as the monorail system of the Listowel and Ballybunion Railway. But above all they were local lines, serving local needs and local communities. Tiny locomotives chugged through the peaceful countryside hauling Farmer Giles and his pigs. They carried slate from the quarries of Wales and tourists going to kiss the Blarney Stone. This book tells the story of these lines, from their beginning in the narrow gauge railways of industry through to the sad days when so many succombed to the challenge of the motor bus and lorry, and on to the happier days of revival with the steam preservation movement. In words and pictures it captures the mood and spirit of these much loved little railways.
Hardback with dust jacket, 144 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9780861901463
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Updated: 2 January 2025