Book Description

The third Midland title written by well known railway author is a history of this interesting Irish railway company which served the west of Cork, Ireland's largest county. The CB&SCR was one of the 'big four' constituents which formed the Great Southern Railways at the Irish grouping in 1925. The system operated over about 100 route miles and like so many Irish companies its history was complex and the finances were fraught at times. This is a full history with photos rather than a photographic book. It will take the story of these Cork lines up from their promotion to the closures of the 1960s. Companies which had associations with the CB&SCR, such as the Schull & Skibbereen narrow gauge line, will also be considered. Separate chapters deal with essential topics such as locomotives, including the only US built engines ever to run in Ireland, and rolling stock, the course of the line, accidents, and hotels and steamer services. It is hoped to include some scale drawings of locomotives and rolling stock for the benefit of modellers. Much of the essential reference material will be contained in the appendices at the end of the book.This will enable the narrative to flow and make the text more readable. This book will fill one of the few remaining gaps in Irish railway history. It will achive its commercial success, as have all the other Midland Irish railway titles, by selling into two distinct markets. There will be a strong local interest sale in Ireland with another market being found in the broader railway enthusiast community thoughout the British Isles.