The defining moment came in 1844 when three local railway companies amalgamated to form the Midland Railway Company and chose Derby to be its headquarters. For many years the Midland were the largest employers in Derby. Coal was a major influence on the development of Derbyshire's railways. Not only was it needed to run the trains but the new lines provided the means for the coal and other local minerals to get from the mines and quarries to the outside world. Passengers were also important to the early success. But that prosperity was not to last. Steve Huson's thoroughly researched and lively book recalls the golden age of steam and the railways in their heyday. His text includes many anecdotes and a wealth of old photographs.
B5 softcover (128 pages)