Industrial Locomotives & Railways of The North East

Gordon Edgar's book reviews the railways of Northumbria, County Durham, and Teesside, focusing on the former National Coal Board railways. The region once had a diverse industrial base, with numerous coal mines, steelworks, and shipyards, but only three industrial railway locations remain today. The book includes previously unpublished photographs and offers a fascinating insight into the region's industrial railways and locomotives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2019
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Continuing his series of regional books reviewing the industrial railways of England, Wales, and Scotland, author Gordon Edgar delves into the railways of what is today Northumbria, County Durham, and Teesside, spanning a period of the last six decades, with an emphasis on the former National Coal Board railways. This eighth volume in the series explores a region once renowned for its extensive coal mining, steelmaking, and shipbuilding activities, as well as a multitude of other traditional industries, both large and small, many of which have now sadly faded into history. The industrial railway diversity that one could have witnessed in this region until the latter part of the twentieth century was arguably unparalleled in Britain. The National Coal Boards Lambton, Hetton, Bowes, Derwenthaugh, Ashton, and Backworth railway systems, as well as the steel and ironworks complexes at Consett, Lackenby, and Skinningrove, and Doxfords shipyard in Sunderland, are just a few of the locations familiar to many industrial railway enthusiasts, all of which are covered in this book. Regrettably, far-reaching changes in this region over the last half-century have resulted in the survival of only three bona-fide industrial railway locations featured in this publication. Primarily utilizing previously unpublished photographs, the author offers a captivating insight into the industrial railways and locomotives of this region, striving to convey the rationale behind the enduring affection many hold for such railways.

Introduction:
Gordon Edgar's series of regional books on the industrial railways of England, Wales, and Scotland continues with its eighth installment, focusing on the railways of Northumbria, County Durham, and Teesside. This book delves into a period of the last six decades, with a particular emphasis on the former National Coal Board railways. The region once boasted a rich industrial heritage, with widespread coal mining, steelmaking, and shipbuilding activities, as well as numerous other traditional industries, both large and small. However, as time has passed, many of these industries have declined or disappeared, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape and the communities that relied on them.

The Industrial Railway Diversity:
The industrial railway diversity that one could have witnessed in this region up until the latter part of the twentieth century was arguably unequalled in Britain. The National Coal Boards Lambton, Hetton, Bowes, Derwenthaugh, Ashton, and Backworth railway systems, as well as the steel and ironworks complexes at Consett, Lackenby, and Skinningrove, and Doxfords shipyard in Sunderland, are just a few of the locations familiar to many industrial railway enthusiasts. These railway systems and complexes played a crucial role in the region's industrial development, connecting various industries and facilitating the transportation of goods and materials.

The Decline and Survival:
Unfortunately, the last half-century has seen significant changes in this region, leading to the decline and survival of many industrial railway locations. The closure of coal mines, the decline of steelmaking, and the shift towards other industries have all contributed to the reduction in the demand for industrial railways. As a result, many railway systems and complexes have been shut down or repurposed, leaving only a handful of locations that continue to serve as reminders of the region's industrial past.

The Three Bona-fide Industrial Railway Locations:
Despite the challenges faced by the region, there are still three bona-fide industrial railway locations featured in this book. These locations include the North East Railway Museum, the Darlington Railway Museum, and the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Each of these locations has its own unique history and significance, and they continue to attract enthusiasts and visitors who are interested in the region's industrial heritage.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Gordon Edgar's eighth volume in the series on the industrial railways of England, Wales, and Scotland offers a fascinating insight into the railways of Northumbria, County Durham, and Teesside. While the region has faced significant challenges in the last half-century, it is still home to three bona-fide industrial railway locations that continue to serve as reminders of the region's industrial past. The book utilizes previously unpublished photographs to provide a captivating visual representation of the industrial railways and locomotives of this region, and it strives to convey the rationale behind the enduring affection many hold for such railways.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 168 x 245 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445649405