The story of the route throughout the steam era is covered in some detail. This important GWR line linked Birmingham with places such as Solihull, Warwick, Leamington, Banbury and Oxford, and on to London.
The train services, both freight and passenger, are covered all along the line during the steam era, with its changing motive power well illustrated. It was a full main line, and, even after many London - Birmingham services were diverted onto a new direct route at the southern end, its role in the cross-country railway network means it has always been very busy with long-distance workings, as well as local services. The branches off the main line, such as to Stratford-upon-Avon, are also covered.
Informative captions enhance the pictures of all this activity, covering not just the trains and varied motive power in steam days, but also all the stations, plus signal boxes, freight yards etc, giving a good account of the line's fortunes over the years.
Title: OXFORD – BIRMINGHAM: Portrait of a Famous Route
Author: Bob Pixton
Format: PB 80 pages
Publisher: Runpast Publishing
Pub date: Nov 2006
ISBN 10: 1870754662
ISBN 13: 9781870754668
List Price: £14.99
