British Independent Light Railways
Among the hundreds of one-time branch lines in Britain were some which never belonged to the larger companies or which, even though they were later swallowed up by major concerns, were originally locally promoted, financed and operated. Usually they started life with high ideals and new locomotives and stock, although a few had to hire engines and coaches as there was no money after construction for outright purchase. Later, lack of finance meant that replacement stock was often second- or even third-hand, and some lines.
Most maintained a knife-edged independence with all their (today) lovable eccentricities, until either bankruptcy brought in the receiver or closure, or they became part of one of their bigger neighbours or were grouped in 1923. A few, though, avoided the pitfalls, and one or two survive — the Derwent Valley, still independent but running freight only, and the Liskeard & Looe, which alone retains a passenger service, albeit as a Western Region basic railway with diesel multiple-units. For the remainder they are now names in railway history. John Scott-Morgan has unearthed some real photographic gems in this album, recalling the heyday of the independent branch railways.
Hardback with dust jacket, 17x24cm, 96 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good-Very Good
ISBN: 9780715379332
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