Railways of the West Riding of Yorkshire

The West Riding of Yorkshire boasted the most complex railway network in Britain, comprised at various times of seven railway companies, with an eighth trying to secure a foothold, eleven significant joint lines and several minor systems. With no overall strategic pattern of territory or route, the companies seemed to vie incessantly for supremacy, often at the expense of efficiency with the significant duplication of facilities: over twenty-five towns and villages had two passenger stations, while some even had three or four! This book reviews the local history, including its economy and key industries. It describes the need for the railways and the political and geographical challenges they faced. It discusses the impact on the region of 'railway mania' experienced throughout Britain in the mid-nineteenth century. The many locomotives that worked these lines are celebrated, with a behind-the-scenes look at their yards, sheds and roundhouses. The lost branch lines and stations are remembered. Finally, there are individual chapters covering Leeds, Doncaster, Barnsley and the coalfields, Sheffield and Rotherham, Airedale and Wharfedale, the Aire and Calder watershed, the Calder Valley and Huddersfield.

I’m sure this work will be of use to modellers, and will complement larger and more thorough volumes describing the same areas. It represents excellent value for money and I recommend it.

Bernard Warr had a life-long passion for all forms of transport. After leaving school he worked for Midland Red at both its central works and Digbeth's long -distance coach services. When his career diverged away from such a hands-on role in transport, he became involved in the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as a volunteer, rising to General Manager, Director and Trustee. He has written many books on transport history.