Narrow Gauge Railways In South Caernarvonshire - Volume two
Delve into the rich history of Welsh Highland Railway in this captivating Volume Two. Discover its challenges and triumphs.
Books, Wales
The second of his series of volumes on the narrow gauge railways of North Wales. Boyd travelled the area extensively, documenting as much as he could. For modelling the narrow gauge railways and their locomotives of North Wales there has never been a better set of source material.
The book has been out of print for many years but second hand copies come up for sale from time to time, though pristine copies are rare as the light orange colour on the spine tends to fade in sunlight to almost the colour of volume one.
In "Narrow Gauge Railways In South Caernarvonshire - Volume Two," James Boyd presents a comprehensive expansion of his original 1971 single-volume edition. This authoritative work delves deeply into the history of The Welsh Highland Railway, a visionary project that aimed to link Caernarvon and Cardigan Bays, potentially becoming the Principality's longest narrow gauge railway. Boyd meticulously covers the intricate details of the railway's development, from its potential utilization of the North Wales Narrow Gauge Railways' system in the north to the conversion of the horse-worked Croesor Tramway in the south. The narrative uncovers the challenges that marred the railway's path to success, including factions and intrigue, and how World War I disrupted its progress, leading to further confusion among involved parties.
Volume One of this work delved into the earlier history of this endeavor, culminating in the completion of the scheme in the early 1920s, christened as The Welsh Highland Railway. Despite its ambitious goals, the new railway faced several setbacks, including being considered too cumbersome and tardy for its time, as well as lacking the last few miles into Caernarvon town. Factors like the rise of road haulage and the decline of the slate industry further complicated its journey. By 1937, the railway saw its last train traverse its tracks, yet its enduring fascination continued to captivate enthusiasts.
Notably, in the early 1960s, a dedicated group emerged with the goal of reviving elements of this historic railway, embarking on battles akin to those of their predecessors. Boyd, a foremost authority on the subject, skillfully recounts the misfortunes, mismanagement, local animosity, and economic hardships of the 1920s and 30s, while also addressing the challenges and aspirations of those striving to restore the railway in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. His expertise and in-depth exploration make this volume an invaluable resource for railway enthusiasts and historians alike. For anyone modelling the any period of the Welsh Highland Railway, this book is a must.