Railways Remembered: Lake District and North Lancashire

The railways of the Lake District and North Lancashire are characterised by massive contrasts. From north to south, the area is intersected by the West Coast Main Line. Its series of tough grades, including the legendary Shap, presented a challenge for steam locomotives and crews for decades, and also for photographers seeking out new locations to record them at work. Along the way, the major centres of Carlisle, Lancaster and Preston were hives of activity, dealing with all manner of traffic from elsewhere in the country. It was also possible to see a rich variety of motive power at stations and loco sheds.

The spectacular Cumbrian Coast line conveyed trains via remote and dramatic scenery bordering the Irish Sea while linking industrial towns built around coal and steel. Branch lines to places like Silloth, Coniston, Windermere and Lakeside tapped into a growing tourist market until most were usurped by the private car as ownership grew. Stations at Blackpool proved a magnet for holidaymakers and day-trippers whilst Morecambe was served by an intriguing early electric service. The corridor connecting Preston to Blackburn, Burnley and beyond relied on a variety of passenger and goods traffic, especially coal. It was also notable for being the last major outpost of BR steam in 1968.

All these aspects feature in this new colour album, covering the period from the 1950s to the late 1970s, largely based around previously unpublished images, many of which are held by Online Transport Archive. Mainline and branch views cover freight and passenger workings in the steam, diesel and early electric eras. These are complemented by some remarkable views of industrial operations with a fascinating mix of locomotives in a range of locations. Another wonderfully nostalgic book to complement previous titles in the Railways Remembered series.

Author Biography

After attending Liverpool University, Martin worked professionally as an actor, writer and director, including 30 years with the BBC where he became Chief Producer Drama (Radio). Today he still undertakes a range of freelance work including directing dramas for the BBC. Across his career he has won many awards and also spent time working in Europe and North America. Among the many documentaries he has made for radio are Trams and Tramcar Enthusiasts and To China for Steam. He also recorded conversations with many theatrical giants such as Richard Burton, John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft Arthur Miller and Ralph Richardson. He was the founding Chairman of the Liverpool University Public Transport Society and The Merseyside Tramway Preservation Society. More recently he was Chairman and now President of Online Transport Archive, the UK charity devoted to the conservation and preservation of transport-related negatives, slides, prints and cine films. To help raise thousands of pounds for various transport restoration projects, he researched, directed and read the commentary for some 120 video tapes which became universal ‘best sellers’. More recently he has authored or co-authored some 30 transport-related titles. Married in 1965, he lost his wife in 2008 but is survived by his children and grandchildren, none of whom seem set to share his life-long fascination with nearly all forms of transport.