Author(s): Harris, Adrian,
Binding: Hardback,
Date of Publication: 21/07/2014,
Pagination: 144 pages, profusely illustrated in colour throughout,
Series: N/A,
Imprint: Halsgrove,
Published By: Halsgrove,
Book Classification: South West England, Trains & railways: general interest
ISBN13\EAN\SKU: 9780857042293

Description:

The South West is a particularly rich area for preserved steam railways, with five of the most famous and picturesque of the nation's heritage lines in the region: the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Dartmouth Steam Railway, South Devon Railway, Swanage Railway and West Somerset Railway.

There were scenes of devastation after the 1955 Modernisation Plan and 1963 Beeching Report closed so many of our country’s beautiful branch lines and sent the majestic giants of steam (which had been the powerhouse behind the UK's transport system for well over a century) to various scrap yards to be broken up. But, phoenix-like, a number of lines re-emerged thanks to the various dedicated individuals and private organisations.

Adrian Harris pays a fitting tribute to Britain’s wonderful Heritage Railways and records the heroic efforts of those who fought to resurrect each of the five South West Heritage Railways included in this book. He takes us on a photographic journey along each of the featured lines to reveal how well those enthusiasts succeeded in their quest to provide that golden age of steam experience once more – providing echoes of an era long gone but definitely not forgotten.

Featuring over 100 spectacular and evocative images, this book will be both the perfect inspiration for a visit to the railways and the ideal memento of your journeys on some of the greatest lines amidst some of the most superb scenery in Britain.

Adrian Harris fell in love with steam at the age of four when his widowed mother regularly took him to Rougemont Gardens which overlooked Exeter Central Station. Adrian was introduced to serious photography while at college but by then the age of steam had passed by and it was not until the irst decade of the new millennium nearly forty years later that he accidentally rediscovered steam once more when out with his new digital camera. Suddenly taken aback by the sight and sounds of a steam train travelling beside him whilst driving alongside the River Dart in Devon his excitement was immense and the love affair with steam rekindled. He determined to explore that line thoroughly and also hunt down further heritage railways in the South West region where he still lives. Within this book he combines his dual passion for both steam railways and photography.