The Railway Grouping 1923 to the Beeching Era: A New History

by Bob Pixton

Overview

British railways evolved through wars and state control, facing innovations like diesel engines and challenges from road transport amid financial struggles. When King George V ascended to the throne in 1910, world trade was increasing and at home the country's private enterprise railways were booming with larger trains and more freight being carried than ever before. Over the next fifty years the country had experienced not one, but two world wars. Railways had been forcefully reorganized, not once but twice, eventually becoming state owned. With the Government now in control of the railway's finances, reformation was on the horizon in the medicine of Dr. Beeching. This volume sets out to chart the passage of the railways during these turbulent times. Contrary to popular belief, life on the railways during these times was not all doom and gloom but times of innovation, competition, new buildings, new lines and the spread of electrification. This was the era of faster, larger, non-stop expresses, streamlined trains: we even showcased our best trains abroad, not once but twice! More and more people were taking holidays by trains and holiday camps emerged. Challenging the position of steam engines were new diesel locomotives. The Festival of Britain (1951) and the Coronation of Elizabeth (1953) saw the country emerge from the devastation and crippling debt after World War 2. On the horizon were devastating rivals that wounded the previously unassailable position of steam trains: motor lorries and family cars. With looming unsustainable finances, the Government solicited external help to help sort out matters.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399088299
Publisher:	Pen & Sword Transport
Publication date:	11/04/2025
Sold by:	OPEN ROAD INTEGRATED - EBKS
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
File size:	66 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Bob Pixton is a WW2 'Baby Boomer', spending his early days around Manchester's stations and sheds. The impressions of youth persisted, despite his parents moving to the heart of GWR territory. His working career has almost exclusively been in the public sector in health, education, local democracy and youth justice. His numerous published works have mostly been line histories, often in several volumes, their extensive captions and picture selection are the result of dedicated research, in this case, of over a decade. He is perhaps less well known for his historical fiction works.

Bob Pixton is a WW2 ‘Baby Boomer’, spending his early days around Manchester’s stations and sheds. The impressions of youth persisted, despite his parents moving to the heart of GWR territory. His working career has almost exclusively been in the public sector in health, education, local democracy and youth justice. His numerous published works have mostly been line histories, often in several volumes, their extensive captions and picture selection are the result of dedicated research, in this case, of over a decade. He is perhaps less well known for his historical fiction works.