The Amble Branch
by Bartle Rippon
Northumberland, steeped in ancient history and
with a stunning coastal beauty, also has an industrial heritage. Thanks to George Stephenson, railways were
born here, and although much has been written about the county’s railways, one
line – the branch line to Amble – has escaped detailed attention over the
years. The fascination of the author
with his home-town railway, and many years of enjoyable research, has
culminated in the production of this book.
Lying
between Chevington and Acklington stations was Amble
Junction, the beginning of the 5-mile branch line to the seaside town of Amble, where coal was exported from Warkworth Harbour.
Although a mineral line in essence, it flirted with a passenger service
for some 50 years before returning to its original purpose to serve the
collieries in the area. Along the branch
were two stations, the intermediate one at Broomhill and the terminus at Amble.
As well as
personal accounts and recollections, this book includes a selection of
photographs showing the several types of steam locomotive to be found on the
branch (NCB and British Railways), its buildings and staiths,
and maps and track plans of the various locations along the route. It recalls with nostalgia the influence that
coal and railways once had on the prosperity of this small coastal town.
“This book is for a niche market, but it fits
the bill admirably.” Railway Modeller
Softback: 72 pages
ISBN: 978-1-905505-05-0
£10.95