Scotland's Lost Branch Lines

Scotland's Lost Branch Lines PDF Author: David Spaven
Publisher: Origin
ISBN: 1788857224
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 449

Book Description
The infamous ‘Beeching Axe’ swept away virtually every Scottish branch line in the 1960s. Conventional wisdom viewed these losses as regrettable yet inevitable in an era of growing affluence and rising car ownership. This ground-breaking study of Dr Beeching’s approach to closures has unearthed – from rarely or never previously referenced archive sources – strong evidence of a ‘stitch-up’, ignoring the scope for sensible economies and improvements which would have allowed a significant number of axed routes to survive and prosper. Acclaimed railway historian David Spaven traces the birth, life and eventual death of Scotland’s branch lines through the unique stories of how a dozen routes lost their trains in the 1960s: the lines to Ballachulish, Ballater, Callander, Crail, Crieff /Comrie, Fraserburgh, Kelso, Kilmacolm, Leven, Peebles, Peterhead and St Andrews. He concludes by exploring a potential renaissance of branch lines, propelled by concerns over road congestion, vehicle pollution and the climate emergency.

The Scottish Railway Atlas

The Scottish Railway Atlas PDF Author: David Spaven
Publisher: Birlinn
ISBN: 9781780272382
Category : Railroads
Languages : en
Pages : 224

Book Description
The rich diversity of Scotland's railway network has never before been the subject of a specialist atlas. This book showcases 181 topographical and railway maps, telling the story of the country's railways from the early nineteenth century to the present day. Researched and written by David Spaven - who co-wrote the best-selling Mapping the Railways on the history of Britain's rail network - this beautiful atlas allows the reader to understand the bigger story of the effects of the railways on the landscape and the impact of Scotland's distinctive geography on the pattern of railway development over a period of nearly 200 years. The unique map selection is supported by an informative commentary of key cartographic, geographic and historical features. This sumptuous atlas will appeal not just to railway enthusiasts and those who appreciate the beauty of maps, but also to readers fascinated by the role of railways in Scotland's modern developments.

Scottish Railways in the 1960s

Scottish Railways in the 1960s PDF Author: Michael Clemens
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781781557617
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 128

Book Description
A mix of high quality colour and black & white photographs, together with informative commentaries brimming with detail, covering the railways of Scotland in the late 1950s and 1960s. Virtually all of the photographs have never been published before and were taken by the author, his late father, and their friend Alan Maund.

Scotland from the Rails

Scotland from the Rails PDF Author: Benedict Le Vay
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781784777623
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Book Description
A brand new book from the author of the acclaimed Britain from the Rails. Entertaining, eccentric, informative, inspirational and only very occasionally trainspotter-ish, Scotland from the Rails is the perfect guide to some of the most romantic rail journeys not just in Britain but the worldScotland's rail network boasts the highest mainline summits in Britain; the longest bridge; the longest and boldest spans; the most famous railway bridge of all (the Harry Potter one; some of the friendliest staff and the most lovely - and downright quirky - station buildings, many lovingly maintained or restored. And for icing on the cake, or rather cream on the Cranachan (a Scottish pudding best enjoyed with a wee dram) - some utterly charming and fascinating preserved lines, steam centres and luxury excursion trains which cruise through this magnificent land.

Scottish Highland Railways

Scottish Highland Railways PDF Author: David Tucker
Publisher: Crowood Press (UK)
ISBN: 9781785007927
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Scottish Highland Railways describes eight great journeys by rail through northern Scotland, detailing the history of the lines while travelling along their modern-day routes.

Walking Scotland's Lost Railways

Walking Scotland's Lost Railways PDF Author: Robin Howie
Publisher: Whittles
ISBN: 9781849954037
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Scotland still has hundreds of miles of 'dismantled railways', the term used by Ordnance Survey, and the track beds give scope for many walks. Some track beds have been 'saved' as Tarmacadam walkway/cycleway routes while others have become well-trodden local walks. The remainder range from good, to overgrown, to well-nigh impassable in walking quality. This book provides a handy guide to trackbed walks with detailed information and maps. It is enhanced by numerous black and white old railway photographs, recalling those past days, and by coloured photographs that reflect the post-Beeching changes. The integral hand-crafted maps identify the old railway lines and the sites of stations, most of which are now unrecognisable. The 'Railway Age' is summarised and describes the change from 18th century wagon ways and horse traction to the arrival of steam locomotives c.1830. The fierce rivalry that then ensued between the many competing companies as railway development proceeded at a faster pace is recounted. Although walkers may be unaware of the tangled history of the development of the railway system during the Victorian era, many will have heard of, or experienced, the drastic 1960s cuts of the Beeching axe. However, in more recent times Scotland has experienced a railway revival - principally in the Greater Glasgow area but with new stations and station re-openings elsewhere. The long awaited 30-mile Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank, the longest domestic railway to be built in Britain for more than a century, is something on a very different scale. Early passenger numbers have exceeded expectations and towns served by the line have seen significant economic benefits. Many railway enthusiasts cling to the hope that more lines will be reinstated. Meanwhile, those walks offer a fascinating and varied selection of routes that can fill an afternoon, a day or a long weekend - an ideal opportunity to get walking!

Scotland's Railways in the 1980s & 1990s

Scotland's Railways in the 1980s & 1990s PDF Author: Peter J. Green
Publisher: Pen and Sword Transport
ISBN: 1526773554
Category : Transportation
Languages : en
Pages : 376

Book Description
“A book full of nostalgia for those who thought railways after the end of steam would be an endless stream of lookalike boxes . . . a revelation.” —Rail Advent In the 1980s and early 1990s, Scotland was an excellent destination for the railway enthusiast. The many locomotive hauled trains running through splendid scenery, together with the surviving railway infrastructure and mechanical signaling, provided many fine photographic opportunities. Peter J. Green’s first railway visit to Scotland was on board the Fair Maid railtour to Perth, behind Flying Scotsman in 1983. The following year, he again traveled to Scotland, this time on the F & W Railtours’ The Skirl o’ the Pipes 4, to Kyle of Lochalsh and Mallaig, his first visit to the Scottish Highlands. Green had previously been traveling abroad for railways, but impressed by what he saw, he decided that he would quickly return to photograph the Scottish railway scene, before it changed too much. This was the start of a series of visits, each for one or two weeks, between 1984 and June 1991, covering the whole country. This book is a photographic record of the locomotives, trains and infrastructure of the railways of Scotland and the landscapes through which the trains ran, as recorded by Green’s various cameras during the period of his visits. “Lots to enjoy, not just the Scottish locomotives themselves, but their trains and the world beyond, which in some cases has changed beyond recognition in the years since these photographs were taken. Highly recommended.” —The Railway Magazine
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