In this booklet, authors Robert Nicholls and Mike Swift trace the history of the waterworks railway in Longdendale. The 3ft gauge line was built to assist with the construction of the Longdendale reservoirs. It was electrified as early as 1904 and operated by a small four-wheeled locomotive.
In 1949, the locomotive was replaced with a diesel, then the wiring was removed a few years later. The line closed in 1968, leaving only the main line Woodhead line running through the Longdendale valley.
Chapter List:
- Water for Manchester, Building the Reservoirs, Horse and Steam Traction
- The Electric Era: 1905 to 1950
- Dieselisation, Enthusiast Trips, Closure and Remains: 1950 to Present
- The two-foot and 18 inch gauge lines
Well-illustrated with black & white photographs. 40 pages.