There is probably little more that could be said about this intriguing system, and this book generally does it justice.

Journal of the Railway and Canal Historical Society Nov. 2016

Military historians will welcome this book, based in Woolwich by the River Thames.

Evergreen Winter 2016

Mark Smithers covers the history of Arsenal lines from an early iron railway in 1825 to their rundown and eventual closure in the 1960's. This is undoubtedly the definitive book on the rail networks, carefully researched and well presented, of interest to military historians, railway modellers and engineers alike.

Given that the site and its activities were covered by the Official Secrets Act and Defence of the Realm regulations it is remarkable how much the author has discovered.

Model Engineer - reviewed by Roger Blackhouse -

An impressive history of the rise and fall of the three separate railway systems at the famous (and huge) Royal Arsenal in Woolwich. Detailed text, archive photographs, maps and drawings help to tell the story of the RAR and the major role they played in numerous conflicts.

British Railway Modelling, September 2016

In these days when most narrow gauge subject matter has been covered in one way or another a new and extensive work on a subject hitherto little focused on is a rare pleasure, and so it is with this book from regular NGW contributor Mark Smithers.

Anyone who knows Mark Smithers' work will not be surprised that his book goes into great detail about this history of each of the systems and the stock that worked them. Narrow gauge and standard gauge locomotives are each given their own extensive chapters, there are a host of photographs, most of very good quality reproduced to a large size, and four pages of superb full-colour maps of the site.

Narrow gauge modellers will find the book particularly useful - as it features great many drawings. There are also some rolling stock drawings, and again all are reproduced to good quality and to a large format.

Military narrow gauge is a popular subject at present - but this book throws a large spotlight on an area of the military that many tended to forget. The result is a very interesting, detailed history that comes highly recommended.

Narrow Gauge World – Andrew Charman

This is a fascinating book, well printed on good quality paper, with good clear photographs. It will repay careful reading and is thoroughly recommended.

Ffestiniog Railway Magazine No. 233