Steam Trains Today

After the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, many railways were 'rationalised' and gradually shut down. Rural communities were isolated without ready access to the main lines and steam trains slowly gave way to diesel and electric traction. But some people were not prepared to let the romance of train travel die. Thanks to their efforts, many of these lines passed into community ownership and are now booming with new armies of dedicated volunteers.

Andrew Martin goes out to meet these enthusiasts and find out just what it is about preserved railways which makes people so devoted. From the inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine to John Betjeman's battle against encroaching modernity, Preserved Railways is a wonderful journey across Britain from Aviemore to Epping.

Praise for Night Trains:

A fine elegy ... Compelling ... witty and full of history and railway nuggets. -- Michael Binyon Sunday Times You do not have to be a trainspotter to enjoy this book. It is social history, a kind of epitaph to a way of travel that seems to be lost, at least in Europe. -- Christian Wolmar Spectator A delightful book ... Even if you're not into the detail of rail gauges, this book is the perfect companion as you wait for the 8.10 from Hove. -- Nigel Jones Observer This is one for railway novices and enthusiasts alike. -- Hannah Solel Financial Times Excellent ... Mr Martin paints a vivid picture of this world on rails ... he proves a witty companion who wears his knowledge lightly -- Michael Murray-Fennell Country Life Praise for Underground, Overground:

'Martin's knowledge is both encyclopaedic and full of quirky digressions, based on everyday observation. Evening Standard A jaunty history ... studded with little observational gems ... he can ... stop you in your tracks with a well-turned phrase Sunday Times Praise for Belles & Whistles:

Martin is entertaining company, alive to the history of his route ... leaves you with renewed confidence that trains can still be the most civilised way to travel. Financial Times His wonderfully well-informed, anecdotal prose punches more than just tickets the Times

Andrew Martin is a journalist and author. His previous books for Profile include Underground, Overground, Belles and Whistles and Night Trains. He has written for the Evening Standard, Sunday Times, Independent on Sunday, Daily Telegraph and New Statesman. His 'Jim Stringer' a crime series based around railways is published by Faber.

After the Beeching cuts of the 1960s, many railways were 'rationalised' and gradually shut down. Rural communities were isolated without ready access to the main lines and steam trains slowly gave way to diesel and electric traction. But some people were not prepared to let the romance of train travel die. Thanks to their efforts, many of these lines passed into community ownership and are now booming with new armies of dedicated volunteers. Andrew Martin goes out to meet these enthusiasts and find out just what it is about preserved railways which makes people so devoted. From the inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine to John Betjeman's battle against encroaching modernity, Preserved Railways is a wonderful journey across Britain from Aviemore to Epping.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.