Editor’s Note: Last week we covered the publication of ‘The Essential Guide to Welsh Heritage and Scenic Railways’. I was so taken with the book that I felt it deserved a proper review. I could think of no better person to do this than my Father who has been passionate about railways all his life and is still a keen O Gauge modeller. This is what he had to say:
This is a superb book on Welsh Heritage and Scenic Railways. Extremely informative and thoroughly researched. Illustrated in full colour with excellent photographs. All locations are fully detailed with O.S. map refs, operation, contact details, journey times, tariff, local places of interest and events close to where trains pass by.
There are chapters on the geography and history of Wales as well as the history of railways in Wales.
Many interesting facts come to light not necessarily connected with railways. For example,. What was the last foreign invasion onto British soil? Who was the last English king to be slain in battle and which Welsh-born was responsible for his death? What is the longest monument in Britain? Where is the largest castle in Wales? Where is the smallest house in Great Britain? Where was the single factory employing the greatest number of workers ever in the UK? Where is the longest single- track railway tunnel in the United Kingdom? What has been described as the largest, most fantastic bird table in the World?
The anwers to these questions and many more can be found in this book.
This book of the very fine quality which we have come to expect from this publisher, is not only ‘a must’ for the Welsh railway enthusiast, but also for the holiday maker and traveller to Wales, a country steeped in history.
Also included are interesting sections on Railway Museums including Swindon, The Newport Transporter Bridge and the Forest of Dean Railway are also featured.
The book also contains Photographic Information, Welsh Tourist Information Centres and Useful Sources including Websites.
The Essential Guide to Welsh Heritage and Scenic Railways by Mervyn Jones
A5 format, 192 pages, printed in full colour throughout, laminated card cover, square-backed spine.
Series X98 978 0 85361 702 0 Paperback £16.95.
Published by: The Oakwood Press, P.O. Box 13, Usk, Monmouthshire. NP15 1YS.
Telephone: 01291 6504844
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.oakwoodpress.co.uk
