The Vale of Neath Line - Neath to Pontypool Road (Softback)
This richly illustrated history of a previously little documented railway aims to interest a wider audience than that of the traditional railway history monograph. The line described is of unusual interest being constructed originally to two different gauges by two very different companies, and the complex tale of how they became one is unfolded in detail. information is also revealed about the immense burden of traffic carried, particularly during two World Wars. Much of the text is based on primary sources. Brunel is seen in unflattering light as engineer to the Vale of Neath Railway, while surprising material has come to light on, for example, the station arrangements at Neath and Swansea, and the construction of the Crumlin Viaduct. Most of the illustrations are previously unpublished and include some 300 photographs of which 28 are in colour. Particularly noteworthy are the maps and plans based on contemporary documents, especially those showing locations where the gauges met and mixed gauge track was in use, the development of the gradient profile, and the pattern of goods and passenger traffic. The whole is enhanced by three previously unpublished paintings and a drawing by Gwyn Briwnant Jones.
Softback, 224 pages, black & white photographs, maps in end papers
Condition: Good/Very Good
ISBN: 9781859023181
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