Today‘s successful electric railway between Chester and Birkenhead is in sharp contrast to the earlier story of this line.
At first passengers were the major earner, but the opening of other lines at Chester and the development of Ellesmere Port brought major freight operations.
The main line was quadrupled, and the dock system eventually grew to 48 miles.
Author Bruce Maund brings to life the detailed and fascinating tale of the complete system, the machinations of expanding railway companies to get control and, in the end, an object lesson in how two great rivals found a satisfactory modus operandi to run it with reasonable harmony for almost 90 years.
Compulsory reading for all those involved in today's fragmented railways! |
