Industrial Railways

Mike G Fell OBE    [Publisher:  Irwell Press  2018]    Softback    168 pages

An interesting, well informed and extremely nicely put together record of the Port of Hull and its railway connections. The illustrations are extensive and of very good quality, covering the story from early developments in the Eighteenth Century, right up to the most recent developments, including the most impressive wind turbine assembly hub that has just been commissioned.

Adrian Booth    [Publisher:  Industrial Railway Society  2018]    Softback    80 pages

A wonderful coillection of photographs of industrial engine sheds, both narrow gauge and standard gauge. Drawing from other photographers' collections, the author has managed to assemble views generally taken at slightly earlier dates than his own, resulting in even more fascination and interest. If you follow or model minor railways of any description then this book is full of inspiration and interest.

C.H.A. Townley & J.A. Peden    [Publisher:  Industrial Railway Society  1999]    Hardback    270 pages

A comprehensive account, complete with exhaustive track and site plans and many photographs, of the industrial railways and their main line connections in the St Helens area. Renowned for the glass making works of Pilkington, collieries, chemical and brick and tile works also feature, and the locomotives used seem to have been more interesting than the usual collection. There is a lovely shot of a Hughes locomotive called Semper Paratus, and Borrows well tanks positively abound.

John E. Simpson    [Publisher:  Ross Evans  2000]    Softback    144 pages

An excellent collection of quality photographs of Manning Wardle locomotives, many of which were taken by the author on light and industrial railways before the last war. Well written and informative, the book includes details of locomotives sent abroad, preserved examples and much more besides. The photgraphs are of excellent quality and the book is very good value at the price asked.

Michael Messenger    [Publisher:  Twelveheads  2007]    Hardback    120 pages

A superb book, detailing all aspects of the North Devon ball clay industry and the railways that served it. Starting with the development of the clay industry at Meeth the book goes on to describe the history of the narrow gauge Torrington and Marland Railway, including detailed chapters covering both its rolling stock and innovative engineer. John Barraclough Fell. The subsequent standard gauge line is then described in detail with final chapters covering the later clay workings at Meeth and its railway stock. As with all Twelveheads books the presentation and quality of both research and writing is first class. What sets this book apart though is the quality and breadth of photographic coverage, quite superb and covering all eras. My personal favourites are generally those shots taken by the author himself, a fantastic record of heath robinson operations on a delightfuly ramshackle looking system. Owners of the earlier edition of this book will definitely want this new one, it adds a great deal and really is something of a bargain at the price asked.

Alan C. Baker    [Publisher:  Lightmoor  2014]    Softback    64 pages

A well illustrated and nicely produced record of comparatively small mining operations in a largely forgotten corner of North Staffordshire. A short but sweet description for a book of the same character.

Phil Robinson    [Publisher:  Moseley Railway Trust  2013]    Softback    42 pages

A splendid collection of material from the catalogues of Robert Hudson produced in the 1930s and 1950s, providing detailed information for both modellers and enthusiasts of this most common of narrow gauge wagons, covering its construction, variations and use. Good quality and large sized scale drawings are included.