This lavish new volume explores Britain`s extensive railway heritage, offering a comprehensive history of their construction, use & subsequent preservation. The book outlines the development of Britain`s railways from the coming of steam through to the first age of the train, the `big four`, wartime service, the nationalisation of the network & the advent of diesels & electrification. It incorporates evocative photographs & artworks from the extensive archives of the National Railway Museum. Examples of steam preservation lines featured in the book include the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, North Norfolk Railway, Bluebell Railway, Nene Valley Railway, Severn Valley Railway & Paignton & Dartmouth Railway, which are presented in a useful appendix, with contact details & opening times for attractions.