North West Railways in the 1970s and 1980s

With previously unpublished photographs John Carlson takes a new look at the north-western rail scene.

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John Carlson takes a new look at the north-western rail scene. Focusing mainly on the years 1975 to 1985, this collection of around 180 colour and black-and white-images, almost all previously unpublished, takes a look the regions railways in the 1970s and 1980s.

Captured here are images that encapsulate intercity expresses at speed and rest, show freight being shunted and hauled in yards and on main lines, and portray the enthusiasts and passengers that photograph and ride them. Although focusing on the region’s major railway centres, such as Carlisle, Preston and Manchester, branch lines and out of the way vantage points have not been neglected.