The Story of the Big Four Railway Companies

The Big Four companies of GWR, LMS, LNER, and SR were only in existence for 25 years, but they had a significant impact on the railways during the First World War. Colin G. Maggs, a leading railway historian, explains how these companies were formed and their success in overcoming neglect and cooperation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

The Great Western Railway (GWR), London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), and Southern Railway (SR) are a quartet of railway companies that evoke memories of iconic trains such as the Cornish Riviera Express, the streamlined Coronation Scot, the streamlined Coronation with its distinctive beaver tail, and the Southern Electrics. However, it's important to note that only three of these companies had a lifespan of 25 years.

Colin G. Maggs, a renowned railway historian with a deep understanding of this era, is uniquely positioned to unravel the story of how these Big Four companies emerged and achieved remarkable success after the railways faced a period of neglect during the First World War. This neglect resulted in the decline of 26 companies into just four.

The remarkable era of the Big Four witnessed significant transformations and accomplishments, including streamlining, setting speed records, electrification, the introduction of diesel power, the establishment of railway-owned buses and aircraft, and a newfound sense of cooperation among these companies.

The GWR, established in 1833, was one of the earliest and most influential of the Big Four. It played a crucial role in the development of the railways in Britain, particularly in the West of England. The company introduced innovative designs, such as the famous "King" class locomotives, and expanded its network to include major cities like Bristol and Cardiff.

The LMS, formed in 1845, was another significant player in the railway industry. It focused on improving efficiency and reliability, and introduced the "Princess Royal" class locomotives, which were renowned for their speed and comfort. The LMS also expanded its network to cover areas such as Scotland and Northern England.

The LNER, established in 1846, was known for its pioneering work in electrification. The company introduced the first electric locomotives in Britain, which revolutionized the way trains operated. The LNER also expanded its network to include major cities like York and Edinburgh.

The SR, established in 1845, was the last of the Big Four to be formed. It focused on improving passenger services and introduced the "Terrier" class locomotives, which were known for their speed and reliability. The SR also expanded its network to include areas such as the South Coast of England and Wales.

Despite their brief existence, the Big Four companies had a profound impact on the development of the railways in Britain. They introduced new technologies, improved efficiency, and expanded the network to reach new areas. Their success also paved the way for the growth of other railway companies in the following decades.

However, the era of the Big Four was not without its challenges. The First World War significantly disrupted the railway industry, and many companies faced financial difficulties. The aftermath of the war also saw a period of consolidation, with smaller companies merging to form larger ones.

In conclusion, the Great Western Railway, London Midland and Scottish Railway, London and North Eastern Railway, and Southern Railway were a quartet of railway companies that played a crucial role in the development of the railways in Britain. While their existence was brief, they left a lasting legacy with their innovations, achievements, and contributions to the industry. Colin G. Maggs, through his extensive research and expertise, has done an excellent job in telling the story of these companies and their remarkable era.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750999014