Railways

One of my Christmas presents this year is a series of three maps, all covering the same area, but based on Ordance Surveys of the early and late nineteenth century and the nineteen twenties. It is immensly interesting to study these maps of a rural area in southern England and compare one period with another. In the earliest map before railways, there were many more usable lanes, but by the turn of the ninteenth century railways had become the main means of transport and the road network was significantly reduced to main trunk routes, with cross country minor roads neglected or no longer passable.

Later with the advent of cars there is something of a revival of the road network as motor vehicles began to compete seriously with rail. The most modern and current map is littered with markings of disused railways. What is most striking of all is the extent of the connections of communities offered by the branch railways round about 1900. One of the worst domestic decisions of the twentieth century, perhaps strategically the worst, was that absurd programme of closing down branch lines. Left in place it would today provide a rural tramway network with modern rail-cars which would transform the efficiency of cross country travel and contribute hugely to the reduction of carbon emissions. Serious thought needs to be given to reviving these lines, just as in the early twentieth century there was a revival of the roads.

We need to think, too, whether every form of transport can or should be profitable, or whether its contribution, like sewage treatment and drainage, is an indispensable element of civilised and eco friendly living. Business knows a good deal, but it does not always know best.

On one of my walls I have an enormous framed map of the United States of America, showing its entire continental rail network in the nineteen twenties. It is a staggering achievement. A revival there might be a very good thing indeed. Wherever in the world you go, railway travel is the most eco friendly and efficient ever devised.It must not be judged in its run down state, starved of investment, its trains dirty and out of date, its connections severed. If we breath new life into railways, we will breath new life into our planet and thus into us all.

115 Responses to “”

  1. I know this is really boring and you are skipping to the next comment, but I just wanted to throw you a big thanks – you cleared up some things for me!

  2. Very good suggestions, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days ago?

  3. Trusting to make the right decisions can be tough. Many of us develop this ability over the course of our life. Its not the sort of thing that simply just happens.

  4. You need to get upset! Really its a must to take a look past everything and get upset. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  5. mp3 download says:

    I’m curious if you ever have problems with what people post? Recently it seems to have become an epidemic, except that recently it seems to have become better. Do you agree?

  6. This is a good subject to talk about. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  7. Wow I’m frustrated. I’m not pointing fingers at you though, personally I think that its those that aren’t motivated to change.

  8. Have you ever wondered who posts some of this stuff that you come across? Honestly the internet used to be like a different place, although it seems to be changing for the better. What do you think?

  9. This is a good subject to talk about. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  10. Have you ever wondered who posts some of this stuff that you come across? The internet never used to be like that, recently though it has turned around. What do you think?

  11. If you are like a lot of people you can simply overlook this. The best thing you can do is become relevant with yourself and faithful with your own morals. This will lead to a sad and unfulfilling life.

  12. Depending on yourself to make the decisions can really be upsetting and frustrating. Many of us develop this ability over the course of our life. Its not the sort of thing that simply just happens.

  13. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Sometimes I fav stuff like this on Redit. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  14. Just now you can branch out from your daily understanding. The real truth comes with being honest with yourself and your goals. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  15. Wow I’m frustrated. I’m not calling you out though, really I think its everyone else that is responsible.

  16. Have you ever wondered who posts some of this stuff that you come across? The internet never used to be like that, recently though it has turned around. Do you agree?

  17. It’s pretty interesting that the mainstream media has changed the way it looks at this recently dont you think? Now it seems that it is discussed thoroughly and more in depth. Frankly it is about time we see a change.

  18. I’m curious if you ever have problems with what people post? Recently it seems to have become an epidemic, although it seems to be changing for the better. What are your thoughts?

  19. Have you ever wondered who posts some of this stuff that you come across? Recently it seems to have become an epidemic, recently though it has turned around. Do you agree?

  20. Excellent ideas throughout this post, you just gained a brand new reader. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  21. Great stuff.I’d like to recommend checking out a lot around the idea of french fries. What exactly are you looking for though?

  22. Interesting approach towards this. I’m curious to think what type of impact this would have globally? Sometimes people get a little upset with global expansion. I’ll check back to see what you have to say.

  23. Depending on yourself to make the decisions can really be upsetting and frustrating. It takes years to build confidence. Frankly it takes more than just happening to happen.

  24. This sort of thing needs to happen! Simply letting the quota happen isn’t acceptable. This will help you stay above the curve.

  25. Pennsylvania says:

    This is a good subject to talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  26. This sort of thing needs to happen! Get motivated and get pissed off. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  27. mississippi says:

    Excellent ideas throughout this post, personally I’m gonna have to bookmark this and come back to it. I’m curious if you have any follow ups to this post?

  28. Very good suggestions, you just gained a brand new reader. I’m curious if you have any follow ups to this post?

  29. Depending on yourself to make the decisions can really be upsetting and frustrating. It takes years to build confidence. It doesn’t really just happen if you know what I mean.

  30. Good thorough ideas here.I’d like to suggest taking a look at a lot around the idea of french fries. What exactly are you looking for though?

  31. wholesale says:

    This is a good subject to talk about. Sometimes I fav stuff like this on Redit. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  32. Excellent ideas throughout this post, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your post that you made a few days ago?

  33. Great points altogether, I just added this to my RSS feed. I’m curious if you have any follow ups to this post?

  34. wholesale says:

    This is a different sort of opinion that many people don’t usually talk about. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I’ll look around and find another article that may work.

  35. Sometimes I question the internet and what is posted? Recently it seems to have become an epidemic, recently though it has turned around. Do you agree?

  36. Beat Maker says:

    If you really want you can look the other way and not talk about it. The best thing you can do is become relevant with yourself and faithful with your own morals. This will lead to a sad and unfulfilling life.

  37. Very good suggestions, personally I’m gonna have to bookmark this and come back to it. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  38. Very good suggestions, you just gained a brand new reader. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  39. Trusting to make the right decisions can be tough. Many of us develop this ability over the course of our life. Its not the sort of thing that simply just happens.

  40. Radioblende says:

    This sort of thing needs to happen! Really its a must to take a look past everything and get upset. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  41. healthy tips says:

    Very good suggestions, I just added this to my RSS feed. I’m curious if you have any follow ups to this post?

  42. Very good suggestions, personally I’m gonna have to bookmark this and come back to it. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  43. Interesting approach towards this. What are your thoughts on expansion on a global scale? Sometimes people get a little upset with global expansion. I’ll be around soon to check out your response.

  44. Get upset! Get motivated and get pissed off. This will help you stay above the curve.

  45. vlc player says:

    It’s pretty interesting that the mainstream media has changed the way it looks at this recently dont you think? What once seemed like a never discussed issue has become more prevelant. It’s that time to chagnge our stance on this though.

  46. choices says:

    Excellent ideas throughout this post, you just gained a brand new reader. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  47. If you really want you can look the other way and not talk about it. Don’t give up your morals for anything. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  48. Supra Shoes says:

    Good thinking. Wondering what you think of it’s implication on society as a whole though? There are times when things like this begin to have global expansion and frustration. I’ll check back to see what you have to say.

  49. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  50. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  51. You need to get upset! Really its a must to take a look past everything and get upset. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  52. Wow I’m frustrated. I’m not calling you out though, I think it is everyone else out there that isn’t taking notice.

  53. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Sometimes I fav stuff like this on Redit. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  54. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  55. This sort of thing needs to happen! Really its a must to take a look past everything and get upset. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  56. If you really want you can look the other way and not talk about it. The real truth comes with being honest with yourself and your goals. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  57. Malwarebytes says:

    This is a different sort of opinion that many people don’t usually talk about. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll look around and find another article that may work.

  58. Just now you can branch out from your daily understanding. The best thing you can do is become relevant with yourself and faithful with your own morals. This will lead to a sad and unfulfilling life.

  59. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  60. I’m wondering if you have noticed how the media has changed? What used to neve be brought up or discussed has changed. Overall though I’m looking for a change.

  61. Malwarebytes says:

    You need to get upset! Get motivated and get pissed off. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  62. I’m wondering if you have noticed how the media has changed? Now it seems that it is discussed thoroughly and more in depth. Overall though I’m looking for a change.

  63. If you really want you can look the other way and not talk about it. The best thing you can do is become relevant with yourself and faithful with your own morals. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  64. Aktienfonds says:

    Have you noticed the news has changed its approach recently? What once seemed like a never discussed issue has become more prevelant. Frankly it is about time we see a change.

  65. subway menu says:

    That’s a very good feedback. I’m curious to think what type of impact this would have globally? There are times when things like this begin to have global expansion and frustration. I will be back soon and follow up with a response.

  66. Wonderful solutions.You may want to actually consider things like sausages. What are your thoughts?

  67. This makes me somewhat upset. I’m not pointing fingers at you though, personally I think that its those that aren’t motivated to change.

  68. This is a good subject to talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. This article probably won’t do well with that crowd. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  69. MMA Clothing says:

    This is a good subject to talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I’ll look around and find another article that may work.

  70. payday loans says:

    Just now you can branch out from your daily understanding. Don’t give up your morals for anything. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  71. rave toys says:

    This is a different sort of opinion that many people don’t usually talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. This article probably won’t do well with that crowd. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  72. Depending on yourself to make the decisions can really be upsetting and frustrating. It can take many people a long time to build a strong moral system. Frankly it takes more than just happening to happen.

  73. This is a good subject to talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  74. frostwire says:

    Very good suggestions, I just added this to my RSS feed. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  75. Just now you can branch out from your daily understanding. The real truth comes with being honest with yourself and your goals. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  76. If you really want you can look the other way and not talk about it. The real truth comes with being honest with yourself and your goals. This will lead to a sad and unfulfilling life.

  77. frostwire says:

    Interesting approach towards this. I’m curious to think what type of impact this would have globally? There are times when things like this begin to have global expansion and frustration. I’ll be around soon to check out your response.

  78. This is a different sort of opinion that many people don’t usually talk about. Sometimes I fav stuff like this on Redit. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll look around and find another article that may work.

  79. If you are like a lot of people you can simply overlook this. Don’t give up your morals for anything. This will lead to a sad and unfulfilling life.

  80. perfumes nz says:

    This is a good subject to talk about. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. This article probably won’t do well with that crowd. I’ll look around and find another article that may work.

  81. This makes me somewhat upset. I’m not pointing fingers at you though, I think it is everyone else out there that isn’t taking notice.

  82. Trusting to make the right decisions can be tough. Many of us develop this ability over the course of our life. It doesn’t really just happen if you know what I mean.

  83. Get upset! Get motivated and get pissed off. Now this will let you take the next steps to becoming successful.

  84. Excellent ideas throughout this post, you just gained a brand new reader. I’m curious if you have any follow ups to this post?

  85. loseweight says:

    Wow! What a thought! Beautiful .. Amazing

  86. Excellent ideas throughout this post, I just added this to my RSS feed. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  87. Very good suggestions, I just added this to my RSS feed. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  88. This is tough. I’m not pointing fingers at you though, I think it is everyone else out there that isn’t taking notice.

  89. Excellent ideas throughout this post, you just gained a brand new reader. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  90. This makes me somewhat upset. I’m not saying you are responsible, personally I think that its those that aren’t motivated to change.

  91. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Usually when I find stuff like this I stumble it. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I will be sure to submit something else though.

  92. Wonderful solutions.You may want to actually consider things like sausages. What do you think?

  93. iPad Tarife says:

    It’s pretty interesting that the mainstream media has changed the way it looks at this recently dont you think? What once seemed like a never discussed issue has become more prevelant. It’s that time to chagnge our stance on this though.

  94. This makes me somewhat upset. I’m not calling you out though, personally I think that its those that aren’t motivated to change.

  95. Good thinking. Wondering what you think of it’s implication on society as a whole though? People obviously get frustrated when it begins to affect them locally. I will be back soon and follow up with a response.

  96. This is a different sort of opinion that many people don’t usually talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  97. korean girls says:

    I’m wondering if you have noticed how the media has changed? What used to neve be brought up or discussed has changed. It’s that time to chagnge our stance on this though.

  98. airsoft guns says:

    Just now you can branch out from your daily understanding. The real truth comes with being honest with yourself and your goals. Generally this will lead to a mistaken and unproductive life.

  99. Personally I’m impressed by the quality of this. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. Although this time I’m not sure if this would be best for the users. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  100. drunk girls says:

    This is a good subject to talk about. Sometimes I fav stuff like this on Redit. I don’t think this would be the best to submit though. I’ll look around and find another article that may work.

  101. This makes me somewhat upset. I’m not calling you out though, I think it is everyone else out there that isn’t taking notice.

  102. cmd says:

    This makes me somewhat upset. I’m not saying you are responsible, I think it is everyone else out there that isn’t taking notice.

  103. slow says:

    Interesting approach towards this. I’m curious to think what type of impact this would have globally? Sometimes people get a little upset with global expansion. I will be back soon and follow up with a response.

  104. Very good suggestions, I just added this to my RSS feed. Do you have any feedback on your most recent post though?

  105. Depending on yourself to make the decisions can really be upsetting and frustrating. It can take many people a long time to build a strong moral system. Frankly it takes more than just happening to happen.

  106. Interesting point of view. Wondering what you think of it’s implication on society as a whole though? People obviously get frustrated when it begins to affect them locally. I’ll be around soon to check out your response.

  107. This is tough. I’m not pointing fingers at you though, personally I think that its those that aren’t motivated to change.

  108. Good thorough ideas here.You may want to actually consider such as something like graphic bomb. What exactly are you looking for though?

  109. This is a different sort of opinion that many people don’t usually talk about. Generally when I come across these sort of things I like to post them on Digg. This article probably won’t do well with that crowd. I’ll take a look around your site though and submit something else.

  110. Joe Rhude says:

    Because of reading your blog, I decided to create my own. I had never been interested in keeping a blog until I saw how fun yours was, then I was inspired!

  111. Socco says:

    Hola,
    yo soy deprimida …
    Gracias

    Socco

  112. angela says:

    auto insurance %( home insurance 65980 health insurance qdmnhs auto insurance 6682

  113. health insurance fuh individual health insurance plans 34295 health insurance idi starmount life insurance prmbme

  114. nfakpe says:

    health insurance =-( health insurance 914 auto insurance gwihh affordable car insurance koy

  115. holger says:

    life insurance =-]]] auto insurance 755 auto insurance rates :-OO

Leave a Reply