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Peter Johnson

“A superb book . . . about the background to the railway, its development and closure and the relaunch into one of Wales’ most pleasant preserved railways.” —The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society

Unusually among Welsh narrow-gauge railways, the 2ft 6in gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was built to benefit agriculture, not minerals. After several failed attempts to connect the market town at Welshpool with the rural community around Llanfair Caereinion, the 1896 Light Railways Act paved the way for the railway which opened in 1902.

Operated by the Cambrian Railways and then by the Great Western Railway, it became the only narrow-gauge steam railway catering for goods traffic under the auspices of British Railways. Sadly, it was closed in 1956 but enthusiasts ensured its revival, which started in 1963.

Overcoming many obstacles, the railway is now run by a charitable trust and is a leading volunteer-operated tourist attraction in Montgomeryshire.

“As is to be expected by the pre-eminent authority on Welsh narrow gauge and minor railways, this is a work of first-class research, but also one of much interest . . . I have no hesitation in recommending it, especially for anyone interested in narrow gauge or indeed preserved railways.” —The Journal of the Friends of the National Railway Museum 

“A worthwhile addition to the published material on this delightful railway, and likely to prompt even more interest amongst modellers.” —Railway Modeller

“Whether it is a line you know well or not, if you like narrow gauge or minor railways then I am sure you will enjoy this book.” —Michael’s Model Railways

Pen & Sword Transport

Narrow Gauge Railways

The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway: The Story of a Welsh Rural Byway

David Lee

Rob Shorland-Ball

Alan Taylor

A journey through the history of this railway that brought passengers to the English seaside for fifty years. Includes maps and photos.
 
 The Southwold Railway was a delightful example of one of East Anglia's minor railways: A 3ft gauge railway, single track, just over eight miles long from Halesworth (connections to London) across the heathland and marshes of East Suffolk to the seaside resort and harbor of Southwold.
 
 This book collates the research and memories of one of the last surviving passengers with maps and pictures to tell a fascinating tale of immaculate passenger service, management from a distant London office, closure at very short notice, and twenty-first century revival.

The Southwold Railway 1879–1929: The Tale of a Suffolk Byway

“A superb book … about the background to the railway, its development and closure and the relaunch into one of Wales’ most pleasant preserved railways. ” —The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society

Unusually among Welsh narrow-gauge railways, the 2ft 6in gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was built to benefit agriculture, not minerals. After several failed attempts to connect the market town at Welshpool with the rural community around Llanfair Caereinion, the 1896 Light Railways Act paved the way for the railway which opened in 1902.

Operated by the Cambrian Railways and then by the Great Western Railway, it became the only narrow-gauge steam railway catering for goods traffic under the auspices of British Railways. Sadly, it was closed in 1956 but enthusiasts ensured its revival, which started in 1963.

Overcoming many obstacles, the railway is now run by a charitable trust and is a leading volunteer-operated tourist attraction in Montgomeryshire.

“As is to be expected by the pre-eminent authority on Welsh narrow gauge and minor railways, this is a work of first-class research, but also one of much interest … I have no hesitation in recommending it, especially for anyone interested in narrow gauge or indeed preserved railways. ” —The Journal of the Friends of the National Railway Museum 

“A worthwhile addition to the published material on this delightful railway, and likely to prompt even more interest amongst modellers. ” —Railway Modeller

“Whether it is a line you know well or not, if you like narrow gauge or minor railways then I am sure you will enjoy this book. ” —Michael’s Model Railways

“A great book about a small railway with a lot of history that has managed to adapt . . . and become a tourist attraction without losing its charm.” —Unos Cuantos Trenes (A Few Trains)

Built to carry minerals from mines in the Rheidol valley, the 2ft gauge Vale of Rheidol Railway found its niche carrying tourists to the tourist attraction at Devil’s Bridge, 12 miles inland from the Cardigan coast resort of Aberystwyth. Taken over by the Cambrian Railways and then the Great Western Railway, it became the last steam railway operated by British Rail. In 1989 it became the first part of the national network to be privatized. 

Now under the control of a charitable trust it is undergoing a revival that will see it become one of the leading tourist attractions in Mid-Wales.

“The book is comprehensively illustrated with photographs spanning the entire history of the line, plus maps, diagrams and tabulated information. An excellent publication, well worth its cover price, and thoroughly recommended.” —Ffestiniog Railway Society Magazine

“A complete story of the line to date, an enjoyable read and a good pictorial record of this attractive railway. So a good way to spend some time in lock-down!” —Michael’s Model Railways

The Vale of Rheidol Railway: The Story of a Narrow Gauge Survivor

THE REVIVAL AND RESTORATION of the Welsh Highland Railway is one of the greatest heritage railway achievements of the 21st Century, yet its success followed more than one hundred years of failure.Supported by public loans, its first incarnation combined the moribund North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways, some of the abandoned works of the Portmadoc, Beddgelert & South Snowdon Railway and part of the horse-worked Croesor Tramway. Opened in 1923, it was closed in 1937 and the track was lifted in 1941.Serious talk of revival started in the 1960s but restoration did not start until 1997, with the neighbouring Ffestiniog Railway at the helm, supported by generous donors and benefactors, the Millennium Commission, the Welsh Government and teams of enthusiastic volunteers.Author Peter Johnson steers a course through the railways complicated pre-history before describing the events, including a court hearing, three public inquiries and a great deal of controversy, leading to the start of services between Caernarfon and Porthmadog in 2011. A postscript describes post-completion developments.

Rebuilding the Welsh Highland Railway: Britain's Longest Heritage Line

An extensively illustrated history of this Welsh railway—and the effort to restore it.

One of Wales’ oldest narrow gauge railways, the 2ft 3in gauge Corris Railway was built to carry slate from several quarries in the Dulas valley to wharves on the river Dyfi. At first, forbidden to use steam locomotives or to carry passengers, it overcame these obstacles and became an essential part of the community that it served.

It was also a forerunner in encouraging tourists, offering inclusive tours to nearby Talyllyn, with passengers traveling on the train and on railway-operated road services.

Taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1930, the railway was closed by British Railways in 1948, apparently for good. Fortunately, the last two steam locomotives and some rolling stock was saved by the nearby Talyllyn Railway, where it played an essential role in that railway’s preservation. Eventually, the thoughts of enthusiasts turned to reviving the Corris Railway, and, after many twists and turns, the first passengers were carried on a short section in 2002. In this book, historian Peter Johnson has delved into many sources to uncover the intricacies of the railway’s origins, development, operation, and revival.