Irish Railways Since 1916
Until the publication of this work in 1972, there had been no complete history of the railways of Ireland, but at long last this gap in railway records has been most adequately filled by Michael Baker.
Few countries could have contained such a variety of railways as the Emerald Isle. not only five major systems but also innumerable minor lines, mostly narrow-gauge and with such oddities as the Listowel and Ballybunion monorail, almost without parallel in their fascinating characteristics. Full details of their stock are included, also that of the major lines.
The book describes how Chief Mechanical Engineers of such a railway as the Great Southern had to keep their locomotives, coaches and wagons at work on such a financial shoe-string that complete breakdown was often not far away. We also learn how in later years the railway system of Ulster might well have closed down altogether but for the fact that wiser counsels eventually prevailed.
Not only is this book a history of Irish Railways, but also a fascinating study of Ireland itself, through all the troubled periods in that country from the 1916 Easter Rebellion to date.
Hardback with dust jacket, 224 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Good/Very Good
ISBN: 9780711002821
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