The Story of the Cambrian: A Biography of a Railway
The Cambrian Railways have always held a fascination for those interested in the history of railways in Britain, and especially in Wales. The period of its birth and early growth was one of intense railway activity and the detailed story is truly fascinating whether looked at from the point of view of social history or railway engineering. Accounts of the proud independence of the Welsh landowners and farmers, the intense local patriotism of the citizens of the various town-ships and their business-men, the pageantry of the railway openings and the far-sightedness and enter-prise of Savin and David Davies, all contribute to make a most lively Welsh history. From the point of view of railway civil engineering the Cambrian had almost everything. The fierce bank from Comyns Coch to Talerddig, the crossing of the estuaries of Dyfi, Mawddach and Glaslyn, and then the dramatic cutting of the railway ledge at Ffrieg high above the sea, all contributed to make an exciting story. To cap it all, the Cambrian treated its passengers to some of the most magnificent scenery in Britain: the Dyfi estuary, the sweep of Cardigan Bay, the Barmouth estuary, Harlech Castle and the Morfa, and the grand panorama of the Snowdon range on the way up to Portmadoc and Pwllheli. Then, the soft and colourful folds of the Severn and Wye Valleys between Newtown and Brecon offered pas-sengers a delightful contrast. For an account of the early struggles, difficulties and achieve-ments of the railway, this book is essential reading. It gives a detailed account of the personal, social and business relationships, of those who contributed to the inspiration, the building and the operation of the Cambrian Railways, with their struggles, failures and successes.
Hardback with dust jacket, 157 pages, black & white photographs
Condition: Very Good
ISBN: 9780999006474
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Updated: 2 April 2024