100 Years of Railways

This book traces rail transport from the cramped carriages hauled by dirty steam locomotives to streamlined air-conditioned trains. It charts the growth of private local lines, their amalgamation, the introduction of diesel and electric rolling stock, competition from road transport and the closure of branch lines and freight depots in the 1960s, through nationalization, privatization and the remedial work to restore the railways as efficient, cost effective transport for the 21st century.