PLATEWAY PRESS
UK Public Railways
E.R.Calthrop
Softbound, 40 pages, 17 black & white photographs, 15 maps and drawings.
[ISBN 1 871980 33 X]
A reprint of a paper originally published in 1897 by the engineer to the 2ft. 6 ins, gauge Barsi Light railway in India. In it he sets out the general principles of narrow gauge construction and operation and makes the case for the adoption of the 2ft 6ins gauge as a light railway standard.
Building on his experience on the Basri Railway, Calthrop went on to create the Leek and Manifold Light Railway, one of the few commercial applications of the 2ft 6in gauge in Britain and the only common carrier railway to use transporter wagons. This paper, published in permanent form for the first time, gives a valuable insight into the theories of its creator, and acts as a valuable additions to the published data on narrow gauge and Light Railway design and construction.
Laurie A. Cooksey
Hardback, 280mm x 215mm, 160 pages, 140 photographs, 26 maps, plans and diagrams.
[ISBN 1 871980 30 5]
A comprehensive history of this 3 foot gauge light railway that connected Rye (Sussex) with Camber Sands. The Rye and Camber was part of the celebrated "Colonel Stephens" group of light railways and operated from 1895 up to the beginning of World War 2. Exclusively a passenger carrying line, its motive power was two attractive Bagnall tanks, replaced in later years by a petrol tractor.
This centenary history gives the full story of its turbulent life and untimely demise, plus newly discovered facts about its service after 'closure' in the defence of the realm. Comprehensively illustrated with many 'new' photographs, plus track plans and scale drawings.
Mark Smithers
Softback 275mm x 210mm, 184 pages, 130 photographs, 37 maps and scale drawings.
[ISBN 1 1871980 62 3]
Now reprinted in softback this is the definitive history of Victorian railway engineer Sir Arthur Heywood who developed the concept of a 15 inch track gauge as the minimum for serious railway projects and devoted much of his life to promoting the concept. Includes full descriptions of Heywood’s own railways at Dove Leys, Duffield Bank and Eaton Hall, plus notes on other railways (notably the Ravenglass and Eskdale) which his work influenced. The book includes full details with scale drawings of both locomotives and rolling stock.