The branch lines of Dorset, shared almost equally between the GWR and LSWR, varied from lightly built, rural railways carrying a low volume of traffic, to the Swanage branch, which at times carried main line express locomotives. Fortunately this line has been preserved and can still be enjoyed today. Many Dorset branches served seaside resorts, while other lines were principally, or solely, for industrial or military use. The county had an unusual number of lines running to quays, two passing through streets for a mile and mingling with other traffic.One such interesting branch was the Weymouth Harbour Tramway, which carried the Channel Islands Boat Express through the back streets of the town, as well as dealing with tomatoes, potatoes and other produce. All the Dorset branches are described in this absorbing, entertaining and well-researched book. Colin G. Maggs, foremost railway historian, provides a marvellously wide-ranging view of over 150 years of rail travel. Anecdotes of branch life and the people who ran them enrich the narrative throughout, including the story of the vanishing train driver - and his later appearance in court. The main railway routes are given a brief account before each branch is looked at in detail. Profusely illustrated with over 200 fascinating photographs, maps and ephemera, this book will appeal not only to railway enthusiasts, but to local historians and model makers.
Les mer
A lavishly illustrated title from acknowledged railway expert Colin G. Maggs, presenting the story of Dorset’s branch lines.

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781848683525
Publisert
2012-01-15
Utgiver
Vendor
Amberley Publishing
Vekt
421 gr
Høyde
248 mm
Bredde
172 mm
Aldersnivå
G, 01
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
160

Forfatter

Biographical note

Colin Maggs is one of the country's foremost transport and engineering historians and has written over one hundred books as well as innumerable magazine articles. He has also made several TV and radio appearances. In 1993 he received the MBE for services to railway history. He lives in Bath.