Unfinished Lines

Mark Yonge had, for many years, wanted to write a book about railway projects that were started but never completed.

The physical evidence of these works throughout England although rapidly vanishing, can still be seen in places to this day. The reader can view several examples which include viaducts, earthworks, bridges, partially completed tunnels, an abandoned tunnel boring machine and the beginnings of a major London airport. Behind all these tales are stories of intrigue, manipulation, interference by the armed forces and sometimes great sadness brought about by personal ambition and ruin.

These remaining assets are in the main, not protected by legislation and are thus at risk of demolition at any time. It is to be hoped that this record of their existence in the 2020s may go a little way towards recording some of our more interesting and neglected features of railway history for the benefit of future generations.

About the Author

Mark Yonge, spent most of his working life in the agrochemical industry and latterly was involved in weed control, particularly on railways. With the advent of strict environmental legislation, he won a top Railtrack Award for innovation with his design for a rail mounted spraying vehicle which fitted with GPS navigation, prevented the contamination of water courses.

As a keen historian, he supported the Kent & East Railway, once as chairman and was a founder member of the Rother Valley Railway. His written work indicates a fascination for railways that were never completed and the complex historic affairs of this fascinating industry.