Lines West

The railway lines of the West Highlands are famous the world over for their illustrious history and unparalleled scenic beauty. Linking Glasgow with Oban, Fort William and Mallaig, the lines managed to survive the axe of Dr Beeching, whose infamous report forced the closure of almost a third of Britain's railways in the 1960s. With a detailed look at the lines, their workings and rolling stock since then, Webster examines how the West Highland network has gone on to prosper to the present day. Despite Beeching, BR’s rationalisation, privatisation, fluctuating freight traffic levels and economic downturn, it retained its unique infrastructure in the modern age. Today the use of modern traction, together with the return of steam-hauled trains, has added yet another dimension to this wonderful scenic route.

Throughout its length from London to Glasgow via Crewe and Carlisle, with a loop through the West Midlands and spurs to Holyhead,Liverpool and Manchester, the West Coast Main Line has consistently provided interest for those many with more than a passing interest in trains and travel. This book outlines the history of the route,its physical characteristics and sets the scene for the various passenger and goods traffic flows that sustained it; it then details the arrangements for motive power and train working through the era of change that was 1957 to 1963. The level of interest - as evidenced daily by the presence at the lineside of hordes of young spotters and other observers - was particularly high at that time as processions of trains hauled by fine express passenger locomotives and those more suited to other traffic passed by. The book also goes 'behind the scenes' to provide insights into the daily and seasonal challenges of managing that section of a wider railway network, as directed by the varying terms of relevant legislation, and a government increasingly concerned to shape the railways for the changing needs of the public, industry and the economy. The book will be of particular interest to those who simply recall those days by the lineside, those with an interest in detailed arrangements to provide and maintain suitable motive power, those with an interest in how the railway served the needs of the nation and modellers who seek information. The book is illustrated with color and monochrome images and supported by maps.

Read stories inspired by the four Underground lines that run East and West through city - part of a series of twelve books tied to the twelve lines of the London Underground, as Tfl celebrates 150 years of the Tube with Penguin. The District Line: John Lanchester, author of Whoops! and Capital takes us on a whirlwind tour of the Tube to show its secrets, just how much we take for granted about it, and what we're really talking about, since we so often do talk about it. In short, he shows what a marvel it is. The Central Line: Geographer Danny Dorling tells the stories of the people who live along 32 stops of the Central Line to illustrate the extent and impact of inequality in Britain today. The Piccadilly Line: Peter York, co-author of the 80s bestseller, The Sloane Ranger Handbook charts the progress of the dream of grandeur and aspiration in London and chronicles London's elites. The Hammersmith & City Line: Artist and filmmaker, Philippe Parreno, who created the documentary Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait, takes us on a unique voyage through London - a journey without the typical purposes of a journey, an artistic, psychogeographical path.

The second of two lavishly illustrated titles from acknowledged railway expert Colin G. Maggs, presenting the story of Devon’s branch lines.