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Book recommendations

WAB

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27 Jun 2015
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I've been asked for book recommendations for someone going into railway operations management.

They have an interest in the history of operations in BR days, railway economics and policy, and anything more generally rail ops-related. This is 'bonus reading' for wider interest so they know they'll mainly be learning on the job. I've already recommended Red for Danger, Vaughan, Fiennes, Bonavia and Gourvish. Any other suggestions?
 
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ChiefPlanner

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Herts
I've been asked for book recommendations for someone going into railway operations management.

They have an interest in the history of operations in BR days, railway economics and policy, and anything more generally rail ops-related. This is 'bonus reading' for wider interest so they know they'll mainly be learning on the job. I've already recommended Red for Danger, Vaughan, Fiennes, Bonavia and Gourvish. Any other suggestions?

Gourvish is excellent for data and detail , but hard going ! , I would recommend some of John Heaton's writings on his experiences as the Area Manager at Exeter in the 1980's for an overall appreciation of a very multi-faceted job (and very readable) ..
 

Ashley Hill

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I thoroughly agree with the John Heaton books,they are excellent. For more managerial reminiscences you could also try Day Return To 1969 by Stephen Cornish,or From Clerk To Controller by Roderick Fowkes.
 

ChiefPlanner

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I thoroughly agree with the John Heaton books,they are excellent. For more managerial reminiscences you could also try Day Return To 1969 by Stephen Cornish,or From Clerk To Controller by Roderick Fowkes.

Yes , I was lent Mr Cornish's book and it is a good read. There is a huge match between the travails of getting the job done in the background of almost constant change and inevitably re-organisation.
 

Taunton

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"The Train that Ran Away", by Stewart Joy. He was Beeching's Chief Economist, a very practical Australian, who makes interesting comments, for example about how the Beeching figures were inaccurately calculated by those sent to collate them, or massaged to suit their own purposes, and such like.
 

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