Bob Gregson has provided us with a companion volume to his highly successful work on the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway around Preston. This book, which concerns itself with the London & North Western Railway, or North Union side of Preston, as it is more commonly referred to, is every bit as outstanding in quality and detail.

 

The work begins with the arrival of the railways in Preston, covering the north Union; Lancaster & Preston Junction; Bolton & Preston; Preston & Wyre and Preston & Longridge railways. Then there's a fascinating account of the Lancaster Canal and it's involvement with the railway companies and surrounding industries. A chapter on the Dock Branch is followed by a superbly detailed account of the construction and development of the central railway station, its signalling system and goods sheds. An equally detailed and captivating chapter on the engine shed follows, and the work concludes with a chapter on Maudland, Green Bank and Oxheys.

 

Of particular interest is the social history aspect, with accounts from men and women who worked on the railways of Preston during the great days of steam. As with his previous work, Bob has illustrated each chapter with a profusion of magnificent photographs, drawings and maps, the vast majority of which have never been published before. The aerial photographs alone will keep you occupied for hours. This book can be best described as a definitive reference work, and a valuable addition to the book shelf of everyone who is interested in the remarkable history of

Preston's railway heritage.

There's a wealth of material

here for the standard gauge

enthusiast and modeller alike.

 

Softback, A4, 184 pages with

over 250 images.

Printed black throughout.

 

ISBN 978-1-909134-02-7