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| Great Northern Railway of Ireland Road Motor Service 19 | Author: Simpson S | £30.00 | | size: 210 x 297 | Published: 24/10/2008 | Pages: 240 | Pictures: 150 | | Available | Code: VP409 | |
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 | | This welcome history focuses on the development of the Great Northern Railway of Ireland's road motor services which first appeared on the roads of the country, on both sides of the border in attempt to thwart the effects of the private bus competition which was severely damaging to GNR's revenues. It charts the way in which the railway company devised means to circumvent the difficulties posed by the partition of Ireland, in particular the imposition of draconian import duties in the Irish Free State. This resulted in the construction of GNR's own 'Gardner' buses through which it managed to convince Eamon de Valera's first Fianna Fail government that it was building its own buses in Dundalk, when in fact most parts were imported, often duty free, through Northern Ireland for assembly in Eire. It also illustrates how the company courted the governments of both north and south into agreeing legislative favours - behaviour which has rightly been described as 'mysterious and enigmatic'. 2008 was the 50th anniversary of the demise of the GNR and author Sam Simpson has incorporated a lifetime's extensive and original research into this timely book, interviewing many former GNR staff to build up a comprehensive story of the company.It is a copiously illustrated A4 hard-back volume and includes extensive appendices covering details of both the bus and lorry fleets, list of both the bus companies and road merchandise acquisitions made by GNR, a comprehensive route directory and even a GNR Gardner materials list. It will appeal to a broad range of readers as it is more than just a bus history and the author has made every effort to ensure that previously published erroneous facts have been corrected. |
Other books you may be interested in: Locomotives of the GSR
Lough Swilly Buses
Southdown Enthusiasts Club Fleet List Book 2008
Underground Official Handbook 6th Edition
Sheffield Trams Past & Present
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