The Royal Arsenal Railways : The Rise and Fall of a Military Railway Network

Smithers Mark

ISBN 10: 1473844002 / ISBN 13: 9781473844001

Published by Pen and Sword Books, 2016

About this Item

Well illustrated account of the railways of Woolwich Arsenal - both standard gauge and narrow gauge. 172pp. VG copy in dust wrapper.

Seller Inventory # 018134

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Royal Arsenal Railways : The Rise and Fall of a Military Railway Network
• Publisher: Pen and Sword Books
• Publication Date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1473844002
• ISBN 13: 9781473844001
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st
• Condition: VG
• Dust Jacket Condition: VG
• Seller catalogs:
  • Railways - NG, Industrial & Light

About this title

Synopsis

Mark Smithers has written a number of definitive books and magazine features on the history of locomotive construction and the development of narrow gauge railways. This book looks at the history and development of railways at the Royal Arsenal Woolwich, which evolved from humble roots in the 1820s into three separate railway systems, serving the Gun Factory, Laboratory and Carriage Department. The three systems originally had their own fleet of locomotives and rolling stock and were constructed using three different track gauges: standard gauge, 2ft and 18 inches.

The three separate factories and their railways were amalgamated to form one organization on 1 January 1891, when the Royal Arsenal Railways became an official entity.

The Arsenal and its railways played a major role in both world wars and continued to hold an important place in gun and propellant manufacture until the late 1950s, when the complex was gradually run down. The Royal Arsenal and its railways were finally closed in 1967, when the last train of material left the site. This book covers the history of the system from its beginnings through to its demise and also details the significant remains of a once mighty network.

About the Author

Mark Smithers has had a lifelong interest in railway history, particularly in the field of the work of British private locomotive manufacturers during the nineteenth century. He has written two books and many magazine features on the subject over a period of three decades, and is currently a regular contributor to well-known periodicals covering the topic in detail.