Later Years of British Rail 1980-1995: Freight Special

1980 to 1995 was a remarkable era for British railways, particularly the freight sector. The freight division was separated from the passenger side, new locomotives were introduced, and the coal sector declined. Three new freight companies were created in anticipation of privatization, and American company took over all freight traffic.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The British railways experienced a remarkable era from 1980 to 1995, particularly in the freight sector. In 1980, the railways were unified and characterized by a monochrome appearance. Freight traffic was still abundant, with marshalling yards bustling and numerous branch lines in operation. The coal industry thrived, and hundreds of collieries dotted the landscape. The early 1980s marked the arrival of Sectorisation, which separated the freight division from the passenger side and further subdivided it into different freight sectors. New locomotives were introduced, while older types began to disappear.

As the 1980s progressed, the freight sector underwent constant change. The mixed freight train became a thing of the past, giving way to new traffic flows, particularly in containers and aggregates. The coal sector experienced a steady decline, and branch lines became disused. In the early 1990s, three new freight companies were created in anticipation of privatisation, which eventually came to fruition. All freight traffic was taken over by an American company, marking a significant period of change and adaptation.

This remarkable period was documented through the images of two photographers who were keen observers of the railway scene throughout this fascinating era. Their photographs capture the evolution of the railways, from the unified monochrome era to the diverse and dynamic landscape of the early 1990s. The story of the British railways during this period is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the industry, and the images serve as a visual record of this important chapter in its history.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 165 x 233 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398102934