RAIL FREIGHT SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Rail freight has maintained a vibrant presence across South West England, with china clay operations in Cornwall and limestone quarries in the Mendips. However, the changes in traffic patterns and day-to-day operations have been substantial, with the latest generation of rolling stock now over 30 years old. This volume looks at the changing face of rail freight in South West England over four decades, with over 160 carefully chosen photographs.

Format: Paperback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2021
Publisher: CRECY PUBLISHING LIMITED

Rail freight has played a significant role in the counties of South West England, spanning from the intricate china clay operations in Cornwall to the prominent limestone quarries of the Mendips. However, significant changes have occurred in traffic patterns and day-to-day operations over the years. In the early 1980s, china clay was transported in elderly wooden-bodied wagons from approximately a dozen loading points, involving extensive shunting and short-distance trip work. Over time, the operation has undergone modernization and streamlining efforts, although even the latest generation of rolling stock is now over 30 years old.

On the other hand, the Mendip quarries present a different narrative. Here, the railway has fully capitalized on its inherent strengths by transporting ever-increasing quantities of stone to terminals across southern England. Consequently, many small-scale freight flows have vanished as the railway has transitioned to full trainload operations.

This comprehensive volume, featuring over 160 carefully selected photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, delves into the evolving landscape of rail freight in South West England. It provides detailed insights into the transformations that have taken place over four decades, encompassing changes in traction, rolling stock, and railway infrastructure.

The early 1980s witnessed the use of elderly wooden-bodied wagons for china clay transportation, with frequent shunting and short-distance trip work. However, the operation gradually underwent modernization and streamlining efforts. Although the latest generation of rolling stock is now over 30 years old, significant strides have been made in modernizing the infrastructure.

In contrast, the Mendip quarries have exemplified the railway's ability to leverage its natural strengths. By transporting substantial quantities of stone to terminals across southern England, the railway has fully exploited its capabilities. This has resulted in the disappearance of many small-scale freight flows as the railway has transitioned to full trainload operations.

The volume showcases a comprehensive examination of the changing face of rail freight in South West England through a wealth of visual evidence. The carefully chosen photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, provide a vivid portrayal of the transformations that have occurred over four decades. They offer a glimpse into the evolution of traction, rolling stock, and railway infrastructure, highlighting the significant developments and advancements that have shaped the industry.

The changes in rail freight in South West England have been profound, reflecting the evolving needs and demands of the region's industries. From the modernization of china clay operations to the full exploitation of natural resources in the Mendip quarries, rail freight has played a vital role in supporting economic growth and connectivity. This comprehensive volume serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic nature of rail freight in this region and its broader implications for the transportation industry.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 171 x 243 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913870911