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Lochaber Narrow Gauge Railway
Operated by Balfour, Beatty & Co. Ltd and The British Aluminium Co. Ltd between Fort William and Loch Traig, 1925 – 1977.
by Patrick Howat
Narrow Gauge Railway SocietySpecial Issue of The Narrow GaugeNo. 87 / 88Spring / Summer 1980ISBN: 0950716901
In good clean condition – please see photos
Synopsis:The Lochaber Narrow Gauge Railway was laid in 1925 by Balfour, Beatty 8- Co. Ltd, and provided a means of transporting men and materials from Fort William and Fersit to the remote northern slopes of Ben Nevis range. Its original purpose was to facilitate the excavation of a tunnel fifteen miles long, the major work in the Lochaber Water Power Scheme, one of the most important construction projects ever undertaken in Scotland. This was still the era of steam power on contractors’ railways, but in addition many motor cars were converted into “speeders”, and similar vehicles continued to operate on the line for its entire life. When construction ended, the railway passed to The British Aluminium Co. Ltd, and survived until 1977 as an important adjunct to their Fort William factory. It was one of the longest narrow gauge railways in Britain, and although situated in a spectacular scenic location, was rarely seen by anyone not directly involved in its operation.Patrick Howat knows the Fort William area well, but this book required persistent research in many parts of the country. The result is a fascinating account, not simply of the railway and its contribution to the development of aluminium production, but also of the personal experiences of that hardy group of men who built, operated and maintained the track and equipment, all the year round in every kind of weather.
ContentsForeword and acknowledgements Introduction Chapters:1 Background 2 Railway construction 1925-19283 Description of the Railway 4 Railway Operations 1926-19305 Construction 1928-19456 Railway Operations 1930-19457 Locomotives and rolling stock 1925-19458 Railway operations 1946-19689 Locomotives and rolling stock 1946-197710 Closure 1968-1977 Appendices:A Construction shafts and adits, and water intakes B Bridges on the Upper Works Railway C Features of the railway D Balfour, Beatty & Co. Ltd., Locomotives & Speeders E Technical details of steam locomotives F British Aluminium Co. Ltd., Locomotives & SpeedersG British Aluminium Co. Ltd, Wagons H Visits to the railway J Bibliography Maps:Fort William during Stage 1 c1926Base Camp 1925-c1939 Central Camp & Adit 5Fort William after completion of factory c1937 Factory areaGeneral layout of the Pier Railway, Upper Works Railway, and Treig-Laggan Railway
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Category: Collectables:Transportation Collectables:Railwayana:Books:Narrow and Miniature Gauge
Location: Tonbridge