Tramways in Rochdale - Steam, Electric and Metrolink > Reviews
Rochdale, a Lancashire town in the foothills of the Pennines, had a fascinating first generation tramway, with steam and electric trams (but never horse) and with links to several other tramways in the locality (as far afield as Manchester). The author skilfully narrates the history of transport in the area, from pre-rail days to industrial tramways, first generation tramways, bus operation through to proposals for light rail. A special virtue is that the author's intimate involvement in the design, construction and operation of Manchester Metrolink enables him to view developments in perspective, often demonstrating that issues were better handled in the past than they have been more recently.
Deeply researched, comprehensive in scope, with excellent page layouts and a profusion of illustrations (each accompanied by an informative caption), the work is completed with a characteristically fine cover painting of an early tramway scene from the brush of the inimitable Ashley Best. The book is divided into 25 chapters, with 12 of these devoted to the first generation electric tramway (planning, construction, vehicles, fares and tickets, track, power supply, depots, parcels and freight and the precipitate closure). Earlier there is a chapter on steam and later ones on bus operation and light rail proposals. There is also an engaging chapter on tramway memories. There are no fewer than 18 tables and 14 appendices. Throughout appropriate emphasis is placed on the financial and personnel aspects (with a well-merited tribute to Samuel Platt, Borough Engineer from 1881 to 1918).
The author contributes a salutary conclusion to his chronicle:
Rochdale proved to be yet another example of Britain's habit of investing in high quality public transport only to throw it away long before it is life expired. Some of the newer trams were only four years old when sent for scrap and some top covers saw less than two years service. . . Will we ever learn from our experiences? The chaotic progress of Metrolink extensions is not a good omen.
An outstanding work which should be valuable not only to the general reader but also to transport planners and promoters of the future.
GBC
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