The Leeds New Line – The Heaton Lodge and Wortley Railway is a straight reprint of Roy Waring’s book, first published in 1989, which has been out of print for at least seven or eight years. The term ‘The Leeds New Line’ was the nickname for LNWR’s Heaton Lodge and Wortley Railway, although BR referred to it as the ‘Spen Valley Line’ at the time of closure. The towns in the Spen Valley are Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike, and the district of Liversedge, the latter comprising of a collection of smaller towns. Opened in 1900, the Leeds New Line was only operational for 65 years.
The book is in Oakwood’s usual style with ‘conception and planning’ giving information on the earlier L&YR line in the Spen Valley, before examining the much later proposals. The second chapter covers the construction of the Heaton Lodge and Wortley line, followed by one describing the route, then chapters which deal with the early years, and the years following Nationalisation. An appendix covers working arrangements. Illustrations include photographs, network and track layouts, timetables, maps, contemporary advertisements, etc.
58 black & white photographs and 29 illustrations. 96 pages.