The book uses the accounts of past and present rail workers, with other historical material to sketch an outline of the types and range of work performed, and the diverse and interesting railway workforce. This book is a unique attempt to draw together aspects of work in the rail industry that is both historically interesting as well as relevant to the contemporary work and workers.
On Wooden Rails is approximately 300 pages, containing chapters on the development of the rail industry, the political and industrial relationships that were shaped through the unique railways culture. It looks at major areas of work in the industry, as well as social and educational activity
The book closes with a selection of current rail workers and profiles their particular talents and achievements, demonstrating that the industry remains a place of immense diversity as the base of its deep culture. The book has collated an impressive collection of photographs tracing the history of work and events in the industry, adding to its rich stories with images of work over the past 150 years.
The book is a fitting tribute to the thousands of workers who have developed and continue to maintain and shape the character of the railways, both past and present. It is a proud story of a proud and dedicated workforce. Theirs is a fascinating story, and this book is a contribution to the telling of a small part of it. The RTBU is also proud to be able to make the book available as the significant centrepiece of a series of projects to salute 150 years of rail culture.
