{"product_id":"gradient-railways-vol-1","title":"Gradient Railways of England and Wales","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eFrom the 1840s, Britain’s railway network evolved at pace to link the nation’s towns and industrial centres with cities. At the helm were the pioneers of railway engineering, who developed new methods and materials to overcome changes in gradient and topography.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eIn tandem, steam locomotives evolved to power trains up steep slopes, using bankers for additional power, while braking systems restrained them as they descended the line. A train’s fireman and driver worked together to use the steam power efficiently. The era of steam\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eended in 1968, but for new generations, the thrill and nostalgia live on. This volume takes a look at rail lines with gradients of 1 in 100 or greater that were a formidable challenge for locomotives to navigate. ‘The Long Drag’ comprising lengthy ‘up’ and ‘down’ sections on the Settle to Carlisle Railway, is perhaps the best known, its nickname acknowledging the sustained severity of the length of the climb and the motive power required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eMany of these lines in England and Wales are still in common usage, though their gradients are less troubling to today’s engines and passengers will barely recognise the effort. Others have disappeared entirely, their purpose now redundant. Many are in areas of outstanding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003ecountryside, their lineside architecture enhancing the natural environment. From the steepness of the Lickey Incline to the charm of the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway and on to the popular seaside funiculars, this volume reviews a host of different rail lines. It examines their original purpose and tells the story of every build, from commission and contractor, to running each line and the motive power required.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Key Publishing Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55553136427391,"sku":"KB0478","price":29.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0081\/2344\/9395\/files\/ShopProducts_100x100px_100x100px_6.png?v=1781260528","url":"https:\/\/shop.keypublishing.com\/products\/gradient-railways-vol-1","provider":"Key Publishing Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}