200 Years of British Train Development - An Illustrated History

This book celebrates the bicentenary of the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway by looking, not at locomotives, but at the rolling stock behind them, both passenger vehicles and goods wagons. 1825 saw the first train load of passengers hauled by a steam locomotive, but it was an experience not to be immediately repeated, as the Stockton & Darlington passenger service after the opening ceremony was by a horse-drawn stage coach. It was not long, however, before steam took over on other lines. At first, travel was basic – the first class had closed carriages, second class open carriages with a canopy for cover, while the third class were little more than goods wagons with seats. The book traces the development of carriages over the years with increasing levels of comfort – taking the story right up to the present day. There are sections on the special trains, the most glamorous side of travel, as well as the familiar everyday coaches.