Midlands, Eastern England

Peter Paye    [Publisher:  Oakwood  2012]    Softback    320 pages

A densely packed book which details the history of an East Coast branch line that still lives on in part to serve the Nuclear facility at Sizewell. The line seems to have been well photographed over the years and all aspects are well illustrated in this book, including the rather charming grounded coach bodies used as a station at Thorpeness Halt. The extensive works of Garrett's at Leiston and its extensive rail connections are particularly well documented, including the now preserved "Syrapite" steam locomotive and its later battery electric replacement. Map extracts, numerous track and signalling diagrams and timetable extracts complete the story.

Michael Vanns    [Publisher:  Oakwood  1999]    Hardback    256 pages

A new history of the railways at Newark, where the Great Northern's main line from London crossed the Midland route from Nottingham to Lincoln on a level crossing, still in use today. A microcosm for much of what has happened to the British railway network, freight has completely gone whilst passenger services are arguably better than for years, although largely in the hands of "Sprinters".

Peter Paye    [Publisher:  Oakwood  2019]    Softback    184 pages

Great to see, a return to form under new ownership, 184 pages of pleasure delving into one of the most obscure railways in the land. Well produced on art paper and fully researched, track and signalling diagrams, a map and lots of good photographs covering all eras.

Bob Yate    [Publisher:  Oakwood  2003]    Softback    224 pages

Arguably not a branch, the subject of this book is the complex of lines from Coalport in the south up to the Stafford to Shrewsbury route which were formed from an amalgamation of canal companies in the railway mania. This is an area with significant industry, which contributed much traffic to the various routes until surprisingly recently. The book is very well illustrated, with individual chapters on industrial railways, engine sheds and the Coalport branch. The current use of part of the route is described and illustrated, but most photographs cover the earlier eras.

David Gould    [Publisher:  Oakwood  1999]    Softback    128 pages

The branch line that was very nearly preserved, tantalisingly in volunteers hands for a while before a road scheme by Kent County Council eventually put paid to the project. There is an interesting section and pictures on the use of the "Sentinel" railcar (ex Devils Dyke) in 1935/6, and amongst the very comprehensive pictures and scale drawings of structures, the signal box at Westerham is revealed as being strikingly similar to those of the Somerset and Dorset Railway.

R.W. Miller    [Publisher:  Oakwood  1999]    Softback    104 pages

A compact history of a Cheshire Lines Committee branch, built to serve the needs of the many salt works in the area. The company were never very keen on passengers and the service was withdrawn from 1931, although freight carried on until 1967. There were numerous private lines and works connected to the branch, as shown by the plans and track diagrams in this book. There is a well informed and interesting chapter on the locomotives used in the works of the Salt Union, later ICI, which includes photographs of splendidly diminutive products from both Fletcher Jennings and the Falcon Engine and Car works - wonderful.

Peter Paye    [Publisher:  Oakwood  2017]    Softback    238 pages

Another welcome reprint of a classic history of a fascinating rural light railway, but slightly inferior as the new owner of Oakwood has used coated cartridge paper . Please don't do this Mr Stenlake, this book is worthy of art paper and it carries the price to pay for it!