Dimensions
246 x 189 x 19mm
In the 1950s and 1960s the railway system in Ireland became a magnet for enthusiasts from Great Britain who realised that, as on the mainland, a way of life was fast disappearing as diesel traction replaced steam and the size of the rail network across Ireland was shrinking. Much of the interest stemmed from the similarity with the railways in Great Britain. Also, the existence of several narrow gauge systems, two railway-owned tramways and some cross-border operators added to the fascination. This album covers those main line and narrow gauge railways in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland during the 1950s and 1960s, which were photographed in colour and the images used are believed never to have appeared in print before. Although most of the pictures depict individual locomotives or ones hauling trains, the opportunity has been taken to show some of the railway infrastructure of the period as well, since this is of particular interest to railway modellers.There has been a very active preservation movement in Ireland over the years, with many wonderful steam-hauled rail tours being operated that continue to this day, however this book will focus on the normal every day operations. AUTHOR: Kevin McCormack is a lifelong railway enthusiast who was brought up in Ealing, West London. Not surprisingly, Kevin was quick to join the Great Western Society, becoming its Secretary in the late 1960s/early 1970s. His retirement from the Management Council coincided with his purchase of an original Victorian Family Saloon railway carriage, which had been converted into a Thameside bungalow. This is now largely restored and kept at Didcot Railway Centre. With his Irish ancestry and family visits made to the Emerald Isle, Kevin naturally appreciated the charm of Irish railways in the 1950s and 1960s, which he has captured in this colour album depicting Irish Railways of that period. 160 colour illustrations and a network map
