Going by Train: The Complete New Zealand Railways Story

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Railways played a pivotal part in the development of New Zealands economy, towns and cities, and helped shape a distinctive culture. This is a comprehensive account of our railways story, from the earliest days of the colony, through rails growth and golden days, slow decline and recent resurgence.

Going by Train details New Zealands railway development from its beginnings to completion of the main trunk, provincial and urban networks and the numerous branch lines reaching far-flung corners of the country. By the 1930s and 40s, railways dominated travel and became part of the national way of life, with trains for all passengers and occasions. Graham Hutchins, who grew up in a railway town and spent many years observing the railways, recounts the locomotives, the lines, the people and personalities in rails colourful history.

With competition from road transport, rails golden glow began to fade, with line closures, corporatization and reduced investment. But with renewed interest, its time has come again, with growth in tourist and commuter travel, line redevelopment and heritage restoration.

This fully illustrated work gives excellent coverage of local rails tribulations, triumphs and tragedies, written in a very readable style. Rail fans and general readers alike will enjoy its wide-ranging topics, generous illustrations, anecdotes and personal accounts.

Reviews

Going by Train is generously illustrated, with plenty of colour and well-preserved black and white archive photos.

Author Bio

Graham Hutchins is a long-time railway enthusiast and a frequent traveller on the New Zealand rail network. Among several books he has written on the subject are 'Great New Zealand Railway Journeys' and 'Last Train to Paradise'.