Author Archives: Iain

One of the best known transport journalists, Richard Hope, died on 14 October 2019 at the age of 85. He worked for the “Railway Gazette International” for around 50 years (1964-2014) being Editor for twenty one years (1970 – 1991). … Continue reading →

The Woodhead route provided a link between Sheffield and the Yorkshire coalfield with Manchester and latterly a power station near Widnes. Roughly midway between Sheffield and Manchester the railway plunged through the Pennines via the Woodhead Tunnels. There are three … Continue reading →

A large number of route maps of the LUL network exist, some produced by LUL itself and others by commercial firms wanting to show where their premises are in relation to LUL stations. In addition to the conventional diagrammatic route … Continue reading →

Two good friends of the Society died recently and this note acknowledges the help that they gave over many years. Brian Martin Longworth was born in Toronto to Scottish parents but soon the family returned to Scotland and Brian spent … Continue reading →

A twenty year plan for transport around Dublin was published on 16 April 2016.  Many of the plans have been discussed for a number of years but there is now much more flesh upon suggested improvements and a clearer timescale … Continue reading →

Manchester’s tramway network has grown with remarkable speed in recent years and it has become essential that a second route across the city centre be built to prevent excessive congestion along Mosley Street.    The first section of the Second Crossing … Continue reading →

The work to transform Birmingham’s New Street station into a spacious superbly equipped hub was finally completed and opened to the public on 20 September 2015.    The original main entrance facing the Bull Ring Shopping Centre has been reopened and … Continue reading →

After months of test running the two extensions of the Nottingham Tramways serving southern and western suburbs were finally opened for public services on 25 August 2015.    The response from the public was immediate and massive.    Trams during the day … Continue reading →

Reading station is a key junction situated 36 miles from London Paddington on the main line to Bristol, South Wales, and the South West. Close to the point where it is crossed by the major freight and passenger route between … Continue reading →

The worst railway disaster in Britain happened 100 years ago – at 0649 on 22 May 1915.   The Scottish Government has included the disaster in its Official Commemoration Programme for 2015. Quintinshill was the name of a signal box midway … Continue reading →