An interesting look at nineteen railway projects through history that have been started but never reached fruition. Author, Mark Yonge, tells the story of each scheme, discusses the reasons for each of their failures, and looks at the legacy each has left on the countryside, urban and suburban landscape of England.
The schemes include examples of viaducts, earthworks, bridges, partially completed tunnels, an abandoned tunnel boring machine and the beginnings of a major London airport. Behind all these tales are stories of intrigue, manipulation, interference by the armed forces and sometimes great sadness brought about by personal ambition and ruin.
The physical evidence of these works throughout England although rapidly vanishing, can still be seen in places to this day. Unfinished Lines: Rediscovering the Remains of Railways Never Completed records the existence of some of our more interesting and neglected features of railway history, many of which are not protected by legislation and are thus at risk of demolition at any time.
Contains 127 illustrations, many of which are in colour. 272 pages. Hardback