This compelling book centers on the Great Central Railways early
history, focusing particularly on its drive to reach London. It follows
the subsequent fortunes of the London Extension right up until its
closure, and into the preservation era, examining the remarkable
achievements of hundreds of enthusiasts and their continuing struggle to
fulfill the aspirations of those 1969 visionaries.
In 1899 the Great Central Railway opened a new main line between
Nottinghamshire and London. It was built to the highest of standards;
civil and mechanical engineers able to benefit from the experience of
over fifty years of British railway construction. It was a glorious
achievement. Yet, despite incorporating some of the best facilities to
enable it to operate in a more efficient way than its older rivals, it
had a short working life compared to its contemporaries. By the end of
the 1960s, most of it had closed. However, ironically, that abandonment
by the state-owned British Railways presented an independent and
enterprising group of railway enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to
operate their own main line with their own engines. In 1969 the Main
Line Preservation Group was formed with a vision to re-create a fully
functioning, double track, steam-worked main line between Nottingham and
Leicester.
This book explores the journey, development and changes of the Great
Central Railway and is a fantastic guide to how the railway industry has
changed over time.
