Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #150593 in Books
• Published on: 2005-04-01
• Binding: Hardcover
• 80 pages

Synopsis
The 1950s and 1960s were decades of change for London Transport. The start of the era saw the elimination of the final trams, courtesy of Operation Tramaway, and the launch of the iconic Routemaster bus. The end of the 1950s and start of the 1960s saw the withdrawal of the last of London's once extensive trolleybus network and a period of industrial strife as LT sought to reduce services as a result of diminishing traffic. The end of the 1960s witnessed the split between London Transport and London Country, with the latter becoming a subsidiary of the newly-created National Bus Company. On the Underground, the era also was one of change with the expansion of the Central Line to Epping and Ongar, the construction of the Victoria Line, the closure of the Acton Town branch and the modernisation of the Metropolitan Line north of Baker Street. In his latest album featuring London Transport during these pivotal decades, Kevin McCormack provides a colourful reminder of the London Transport operations of the period.

Featuring both the surface and Underground, the book commences with the final days of London's tramway system in 1952 and then portrays many of the most important aspects of the changing London Transport scene during the period, such as the demise of the Chesham stock and the withdrawal of the Metropolitan electric locomotives, the introduction of the Routemasters, the withdrawal of the trolleybuses, and much else. The book incorporates over 80 colour illustrations, most of which are unpublished, drawn from the collections of many of the most noted photographers of the London Transport scene over the years. Alongside the photographs, the author's detailed captions bring to life the history of London Transport during the period. Since his first book for Ian Allan Publishing was released more than a decade ago, Kevin McCormack has proved himself to be one of the most successful commentators on the subject, with an unerring ability to source a constant supply of unique and unpublished images. This new collection will further enhance his reputation and will be much sought after by all those countless thousands with an interest in London and its transport.