No 32 Mid-Wales and the Marches (British Railways Past and Present)

Roger Siviter's marvellous album of over 250 photographs opens with a past-and-present photographic survey of the railway network between Gobowen in the north and Pontrilas south of Hereford, not forgetting the Kington branch and lines around Brecon. Then after looking at steam preservation in the Marches he focuses on the old Cambrian lines from Shrewsbury to Barmouth and Aberystwyth, and on the line from Moat Lane Junction to Builth Wells via Llanidloes. This photographic exploration of the Welsh heartland then moves from Aberystwyth to Carmarthen on the GWR route via Strata Florida, and along the Aberayron and Newcastle Emlyn branches. The preserved lines of Mid Wales - the Welshpool & Llanfair, the Talyllyn, the Fairbourne and the Vale of Rheidol - are also glanced at, but they are already the subject of existing or future Past & Present volumes. Each pair of photographs - showing a railway scene in the past and present - is accompanied by helpful captions providing details about the locos and rolling stock, people and landscapes. The comparisons will intrigue railway enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike. * Shrewsbury * Hereford * Welshpool * Machynlleth * Dovey Junction * Barmouth * Aberystwyth