Volume three in this series focuses on the basic principles of light pulse compression through chirp generation and compensation inside and outside the laser cavity. Traces the developmental of light railways from before the 1896 Light Railways Act, and places the failure of the subsequent expansion in the context of financial problems of the rail industry as a whole, due most especially to the concurrent rise of motor traffic. Assesses the impact on the remote areas served, and follows the form of transportation to its terminal decline between the wars. For historians and rail buffs. Distributed by St. Martin's. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Narrow gauge railways, so well suited to difficult, mountainous terrain, were built in many of the UK's most scenic locations. Their genesis was in mines and quarries where they replaced manor horse-pulled wagons, but their adaptability meant that by the 1860s they were also carrying passengers, in some cases over quite considerable distances. Today a good proportion of all the important lines survive in the service of tourists, whose appreciation of the landscape, and the railways themselves, keep these relics of industrial Britain alive in all their variety. Peter Johnson has been researching and writing about narrow gauge lines for many years, and this is the perfect introduction to a rich and appealing corner of British railway history.
“A superb book . . . about the background to the railway, its development and closure and the relaunch into one of Wales’ most pleasant preserved railways.” —The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society Unusually among Welsh narrow-gauge railways, the 2ft 6in gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was built to benefit agriculture, not minerals. After several failed attempts to connect the market town at Welshpool with the rural community around Llanfair Caereinion, the 1896 Light Railways Act paved the way for the railway which opened in 1902. Operated by the Cambrian Railways and then by the Great Western Railway, it became the only narrow-gauge steam railway catering for goods traffic under the auspices of British Railways. Sadly, it was closed in 1956 but enthusiasts ensured its revival, which started in 1963. Overcoming many obstacles, the railway is now run by a charitable trust and is a leading volunteer-operated tourist attraction in Montgomeryshire. “As is to be expected by the pre-eminent authority on Welsh narrow gauge and minor railways, this is a work of first-class research, but also one of much interest . . . I have no hesitation in recommending it, especially for anyone interested in narrow gauge or indeed preserved railways.” —The Journal of the Friends of the National Railway Museum “A worthwhile addition to the published material on this delightful railway, and likely to prompt even more interest amongst modellers.” —Railway Modeller “Whether it is a line you know well or not, if you like narrow gauge or minor railways then I am sure you will enjoy this book.” —Michael’s Model Railways