{"product_id":"the-age-of-the-electric-train-9780711013926","title":"The Age of the Electric Train","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs the decade of the 1980s approaches its close, electric traction is fulfilling a role of ever-increasing importance on Britain's rail- ways. The year 1987 witnessed the completion of two major schemes to electrify the lines from London to Norwich and from Glasgow to Ayr, together with the commencement of the most significant under- taking since the conversion of the West Coast route the electrification of the East Coast main line to Edinburgh. In the field of Light Rapid Transit systems, the Tyne \u0026amp; Wear Metro has revolutionised local trans- port in the Newcastle area, while the recent opening of the first stage of the Docklands Light Railway in London has provided the spectacle of the first use of 'driverless' trains in Britain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfronted with so extensive a catalogue of change, the newcomer to the study of Britain's transport history could be forgiven for concluding that electric traction is in the main a phenomenon of the latter half of the 20th century. He would undoubtedly be startled to discover that in fact the first electrically-powered railway opened to the public on the seafront at Brighton on 4 August 1883 - over 100 years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn The Age of the Electric Train John Gillham has celebrated the recent passing of the centenary of that occasion by providing a comprehensive, detailed, yet always read- able history of the invention and evolution of the motive power, rolling stock and infrastructure which together comprise the electric railways of Britain, examining their development from the early inventions of the late 19th century to the most modern systems of today. With 21 chapters supported by over 200 photographs and several route maps, The Age of the Electric Train is recommended as an important work of reference to all who have an interest in the subject.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardback with dust jacket, 22x30cm, 208 pages, black \u0026amp; white photographs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition: Good\/Very Good\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ian Allan","offers":[{"title":"Secondhand (300)","offer_id":54927725363583,"sku":"9780711013926","price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1910\/7111\/files\/9780711013926.jpg?v=1735658654","url":"https:\/\/rail-books.co.uk\/products\/the-age-of-the-electric-train-9780711013926","provider":"Rail Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}