London, Midland and Scottish Railway Branch Lines, 1945-65 Book

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway existed from 1923 until 1947 and during that time was the largest company in Britain. The railway even claimed to be the largest company in the world as it employed nearly 250,000 people and had a capital value of #400 million. The LMS had an amazing collection of minor railways with some of its branch lines dating back to the dawn of the railway age. The Bolton & Leigh and the Cromford & High Peak Railways, for example, were built by canal engineers and had steep, cable worked inclines. On another line there was a busy passenger terminus with a frequent train service that was never featured in a public timetable or shown on a map. Closures of branch lines started during the 20th century, some ceasing to function during World War I and others during the 1930s. Many cross-country lines disappeared during the 1970 period and today few traditional rural branch lines exist. Many of the closed lines have been converted to footpaths or cycleways and a number of stations have now been purchased and restored to their former glory. Each of the lines described in this book, including what remains to be seen of many of them today.Read More