Narrow Gauge Railways In North Caernarvonshire - Volume one The West
Boyd begins by providing a brief overview of the development of narrow gauge railways in Britain, before focusing on the specific lines covered in the book.
Books, Wales
The third of his series of volumes on the narrow gauge railways of North Wales and the first to cover North Caernarvonshire. Boyd extensively explored the region, diligently recording every detail. When it comes to modelling the narrow gauge railways and their locomotives in North Wales, there has never been a more comprehensive set of source materials.
Volume 1: The West
The author writes:
"This part of Wales was still Arcadia for the railway enthusiast when first I knew it; sent there during Army training, I found myself semi-permanently resident as a Military Instructor, with narrow gauge railways at every hand. These became more familiar every day, and though most were overworked due to wartime short-ages, their attraction was undiminished. I came to know them as one bright light among all the sordid tasks we shared in those times.
It was clear to me that little could possibly survive the harsh economics of peace-time, and I determined to set down their record when times became easier; this promise is fulfilled by this, the last title in the present series. Without the experiences and notes I then made, today's sad remnants would only seem a lost opportunity, but fortunately it is otherwise. I have been able to turn rough field notes into richer pasture by means undreamt of in those far-off days. I walked, talked and worked among those who ran these lines, enjoyed their companionship, firesides and confidences. No mouldering document was ever a substitute for this! It has been a privilege to be chronicler of an age which for over a century knew these railways as part of their lives, though with only one or two exceptions traces of their existence are all but obliterated today."
Contents
- The book covers the following narrow gauge railways
- The Nantlle Railway 1825 – 1966
- The Snowdon Mountain Tramroad and Hotel Company Limited 1894 – 1928 and thereafter The Snowdon Mountain Railway Limited
- The Pwllheli and Llanbedrog Tramway 1894 – 1929
- The South Beach Tramway 1899 – 1919
And appendices on
- Nantlle Vale Industrial Tram ways
- Llanberis (Southwest) District Industrial Tramways
- Lleyn Peninsula Industrial Tramways
For the narrow gauge modeller interested in any of the above railways, this book is a must to add to any collection.
Review
Narrow Gauge Railways in North Caernarvonshire: Volume One: The West by James I. C. Boyd is a comprehensive and well-written history of the narrow gauge railways of the Lleyn Peninsula and Nantlle Vale in North Wales. The book covers the period from the construction of the first lines in the 1820s to their closure in the 1950s and 1960s.
Boyd begins by providing a brief overview of the development of narrow gauge railways in Britain, before focusing on the specific lines covered in the book. These include the Nantlle Railway, the Snowden Mountain Tramroad, the Pwllheli & Llandbedrog Tramway, and the South Beach Tramway.
For each line, Boyd provides a detailed history of its construction, operation, and closure. He also discusses the locomotives and rolling stock used on the lines, and the role they played in the local economy and community.
The book is well-illustrated with photographs and maps, and is written in a clear and engaging style. Boyd is clearly passionate about his subject, and his enthusiasm shines through in his writing.
One of the things that makes this book so enjoyable to read is Boyd's personal touch. He draws on his own memories of riding on the narrow gauge railways of North Wales, as well as interviews with former employees and passengers. This gives the book a unique and authentic feel.
Another strength of the book is its comprehensiveness. Boyd covers all aspects of the narrow gauge railways of North Wales, from their construction and operation to their social and economic impact. This makes the book an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of narrow gauge railways or the history of North Wales.
Overall, Narrow Gauge Railways in North Caernarvonshire: Volume One: The West is an excellent book. It is well-written, informative, and engaging. Hghly recommended to anyone interested in the history of railways or the history of North Wales.