Inside British Rail

Stephen Poole joined British Rail in 1973, working for three of its Regions and then for three of its Business Sectors in the run-up to privatisation. He experienced stations, depots, freight, parcels, yards, signalling, catering, major projects and business development. Using his extensive knowledge of the workings of British Rail, he paints a vivid picture of its inner life, set against the backdrop of political, industrial and social change that dominated the last twenty years of the nationalised railway. Inside British Rail is both a celebration of the determination and camaraderie shown by staff working in an industry that was struggling to survive, and a nuanced assessment of the difficulties, both internal and external, that contributed to its demise.

STEPHEN POOLE began his railway career in 1973, before being selected as a BR Management Trainee in 1979 and going on to hold jobs in an even greater range until he was made redundant on the approach to privatisation. Following this he worked for Eurotunnel and HM Railway Inspectorate and now works as a consultant representing the freight companies on Network Rail's programme for digital signalling.