Radstock Coal & Steam Vol 1 History – Colin Handley

£7.50

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Hardback, Very Good Condition

Radstock is perhaps best remembered for die regular summer Saturday confrontation at die infamous level crossing gates where a main road and vital holiday route from die north bisected one of die busiest main railways to die south coast. The tremendous traffic jams are now only a distant memory and it is difficult to imagine the bustling scene at Radstock’s Somerset & Dorset station and yard. No trace of these now remains and gone are the collieries too, only their dirt batches reminding us of a past way of life.

Radstock was an industrial, mining community set incongruously amidst some of die most beautiful countryside die south has to offer. This book sets out to tell the comprehensive story of the S&D at Radstock, from its canal and tramway predecessors, through its development and changes of ownership, trials and triumphs, to its final slow decline and closure. The railway’s relationship with the whole variety of industries which went to make up the town is fully covered, in particular its dealings with die collieries. Details of tramways and rail workings to Clandown, Writhlington, Braysdown and others are all included along with much material illustrating the development of the town itself.

The author has drawn on many original documents to provide details of the history which will ensure this book becomes an important work of reference. He has also talked to many former employees who provide fascinating accounts of the day-today running of the line. Many photographs, maps and detailed drawings complete the picture.