Fire & Steam: A New History of the Railways in BritainNow in paperback, Fire and Steam tells the dramatic story of the people and events that shaped the world’s first railway network, one of the most impressive engineering achievements in history. The opening of the pioneering Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830 marked the beginning of the railways’ vital role in changing the face of Britain. Fire and Steam celebrates the vision and determination of the ambitious Victorian pioneers who developed this revolutionary transport system and the navvies who cut through the land to enable a country-wide network to emerge. The rise of the steam train allowed goods and people to circulate around Britain as never before, stimulating the growth of towns and industry, as well many of the facets of modern life, from fish and chips to professional football. From the early days of steam to electrification, via the railways’ magnificent contribution in two world wars, the checkered history of British Rail, and the buoyant future of the train, Fire and Steam examines the social and economical importance of the railway and how it helped to form the Britain of today. |
Contents
Why Railways? | 1 |
The Only Way to Get There | 181 |
Fighting Together Reluctantly | 206 |
Copyright | |
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accident ASLEF became Big Four brakes branch lines bridge Brighton Britain British Rail British Railway History British Transport Commission building built canal capital carriages cent century Christian Wolmar coaches coal competition construction cost created David & Charles despite disaster drivers early electrification engines ensured Euston fares freight gauge Hamilton Ellis improved industry investment Jack Simmons journey Junction Labour later Liverpool & Manchester LNER London & Birmingham London & North London Underground main line major managers Manchester Railway Midland miles National Railway Museum nationalization Network Rail North Western opened operating Parliament passengers profits Railtrack railway companies railway mania railway network railway workers Railwaymen rival road route safety schemes Scotland shareholders signal South Eastern speed St Pancras stagecoach station steam locomotives Stephenson Stockton & Darlington timetable towns track traffic trains transport tunnel unions Victorian wagons West Coast