Ever since the Stockton & Darlington Railway opened in 1825 the north-east of England has been at the heart of the railway system. Charlie Emett, ex-railwayman, author and historian, has collected a fascinating selection of over 250 photographs, all informatively captioned. His compilation takes the reader on a journey from these pioneering beginnings, through the revolutionary age of steam and the diesel era, to the birth of the electric expresses, drawn by the most powerful locomotives ever to run in Britain. All County Durham's branch lines, past and present, are included in this pictorial guide, together with the East Coast main line, while the importance of Darlington's workshops and Shildon's wagon works is not forgotten. Famous engines, signalling systems, personalities and events of the region are all recorded here, offering the reader a comprehensive picture of railway life over the years.