I would never have thought that such a trivial subject would be so curious, interesting and impressive.

Read the complete Spanish review here.

José Manuél Rico Cortés (Mister JM) - Miniaturas JM

I would never have thought that such a trivial subject would be so curious, interesting and impressive . An essential masterpiece in our railway library.

Read the complete Spanish review online here.

José Manuél Rico Cortés (Mister JM) - Miniaturas JM

This massive tome is the swan-song of a late author who was once Head of the National Railway Museum at York. It is not about railways primarily but a comprehensive history of the track on which they ran.

This England, Spring 2017

This is a volume which could become a standard reference work on its subject. It is likely to have wide appeal and will be useful to professional railway personnel, railway preservationists, modellers of railway in all scales and anyone involved in trains and track irrespective of gauge. The prevalence of ‘British’ railway methods throughout the world means that it is also likely to have international appeal to readers where these practices apply.

NZ Crown Mines

A fascinating and readable volume.

Ffestiniog Railway Magazine No. 232

I assumed it would be just another book outlining the basics of railway track in simple terms. How wrong I was when I saw the superb tome that Andrew has created! At 458 pages it is clearly a massive labour of love on Andrew's part and a fitting epitaph to his very successful career in railways.

The starting point for supporting moving vehicles in the form of early wagon ways began long before the advent of steam locomotives in 1804. With the track being formed entirely from wood, a handful of 'railways' were built as long ago as the 1600s as illustrated in the first chapters of this book. The following chapters clearly illustrate the many and varied systems invented and developed, almost independently but generally with the introduction of iron to reduce the wear on the rails...

... Towards the end of the book, illustrations are given showing modern track maintenance and renewal plant and some very impressive track layouts. Naturally, the steam locomotive and trains are the stars of the show wherever they are seen, in film or reality. With the support of this book, you will be able to see what the track is they are running on which must improve your enjoyment of the railway scene...

... It has been my great pleasure and privilege to review this excellent book which is a great credit to Andrew Dow.

The Journal of the Friends of the National Railway Museum

As featured in The Newcomen Society Western Courier Newsletter of the Western Branch this book is a comprehensive and detailed history the railway and development from tram road to the modern era. The author guides us through a huge subject and is a monumental work beautifully produced with nearly 200 skilled and clear drawings, and numerous photographs of track. A must read for all railway and transport enthusiasts alike.

The Newcomen Society Western Courier

Highly commended

Journal of the Stephenson Locomotive Society

Seen in.

The Times

Written in well researched, semi-technical format, typeset for easy reading, and featuring every facet of the permanent way from 1804 to date, in sixteen chapters plus appendices including tramways and cliff lifts...An excellent book and definitely a five star volume.

The Railway Correspondence And Travel Society

A major, important new book of British railway history. The range of topics covered, including research results, are impressive. The illustrations are well selected and reproduced. Highly recommended.

Railway and Canal Historical Society

Author Andrew Dow and Pen & Sword Books have done the world of railway knowledge a huge service in the producing this commendable tome.
Some enthusiasts may take track for granted or consider it fairly 'unexciting' but this book will show them what they've been missing!

The Railway Magazine

The first comprehensive account of the history and development of railway track of all gauges including tramways and cliff railways...It will widen the readers knowledge of railways considerably...Authorative and highly recommended.

Heritage Railways