Unfinished Lines: Rediscovering the Remains of Railways Never Completed

By Mark Yonge (hardback, Pen & Sword, 268pp, £30, ISBN 9781399018531). DURING the pandemic, a Rother Valley Railway cofounder completed a lifetime ambition to write a book about Britain’s railway’ projects that were started but never completed either as envisaged, or at all.

Kent’s International Airport Railway, the Chessington to Leatherhead Railway, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s South Devon Atmospheric Railway, the first Channel, the Didcot, Newbury & Southampton Junction Railway, the Mistley, Thorpe & Walton Railway, the East Kewnt Light Railway, the Collywell Bay Railway… the

fascinating stories of these and more are told in detail.

In several cases, engineering works such as viaducts and earthworks still survive and can be seen. The author expands on the reasons for the failure of each.

Sadly, as reported last issue, Mark passed away in December, aged 77, and did not see his work hit the bookshops.

However, his work in later life makes for a fascinating and enlightening read in its successful attempt to open up corners of long-lost railway history and is highly recommended. REFRESHING INSIGHT INTO FORGOTTEN HISTORY