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Sub-titled 'The English Channel and Ocean Liner Specials, History, Development and Operation' here is the exciting story of more than 125 years of independent and organised tourism. The routes to Northern Europe inner cities and south to the French Riviera, Switzerland and Italy have been at the forefront of travel ever since railways and steamers first started working in tandem. The book features the evolution of cross-channel boat trains and the many dedicated services responsible for moving international passengers to and from trans-Atlantic steamers, an extension of luxury railway travel. At the end of the 19th century, faster and more stable twin-screw vessels replaced cross-channel paddlers resulting in a significant expansion in the numbers of day excursionists and short-stay visitors heading to Belgium, France and the Channel Islands. Major ports became hives of commercial activity involving moving freight and mail, as well as transporting all manner of travellers and there was intense competition for passenger traffic between the Old and New World and Britain's imperial interests. Greater numbers of well-heeled tourists headed off to warmer winter climes and experimented with the novel idea of using ocean steamers as hotels and cruise tourism and the itinerary arrived. 'Ocean Special' boat trains became essential components of railway and port procedures synonymous with glamorous travel, and this beautifully illustrated book showcases interiors, working ports, attractive poster art and archive photos. Chapters cover the Blue Train and the Côte d'Azur Pullman Express, Golden Arrow, LNWR American Specials, LMS and British Railways London Midland Region Trains, Liverpool Riverside and Gladstone Docks, Southampton Docks and Plymouth Millbay, Bristol Avonmouth and Fishguard Harbour among what will evoke for many customers childhood memories. 384 big glamorous glossy pages, colour throughout.
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