In Volume 1 of his history of the MS&L/GCR, George Dow laments James Allport's departure from the MS&L for the Midland. Under Allport's leadership, the Midland became a major trunk line, and his forward-thinking led to the provision of third class on all trains, and the abolition of second class.
Had Allport stayed with the MS&L, how could the history of that company have been altered?
What if James Allport remained with the MS&L?
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Re: What if James Allport remained with the MS&L?
Surely the more important question is what would have happened had Watkin stayed with the LNWR and maybe taken over
from Moon?
The Midland would always have been able to outspend the MSL, and based upon Watkin's reputation, like for instance on the
SECR , the LNWR would not have been the railway it became.
The mid 1800's from about 1848-1870 were not the smooth trajectory everyone imagines, with many financial problems for
both the country and railways, ie Gurney Overend collapse, and the subsequent impact on Peto and Betts, the GWR etc.
One actual effect of the GWR financial problems was the wholesale move of many men from the GWR to the GNR, including
Sturrock, John Coffin and others.
In addition, what would have happened had Edward Bury not been as avaricious as he was
and not left the GNR when he did in 1850? NO Sturrock, no Stirling, and maybe not even a Gresley. We can only work
with what happened not what might have.
Paul
from Moon?
The Midland would always have been able to outspend the MSL, and based upon Watkin's reputation, like for instance on the
SECR , the LNWR would not have been the railway it became.
The mid 1800's from about 1848-1870 were not the smooth trajectory everyone imagines, with many financial problems for
both the country and railways, ie Gurney Overend collapse, and the subsequent impact on Peto and Betts, the GWR etc.
One actual effect of the GWR financial problems was the wholesale move of many men from the GWR to the GNR, including
Sturrock, John Coffin and others.
In addition, what would have happened had Edward Bury not been as avaricious as he was
and not left the GNR when he did in 1850? NO Sturrock, no Stirling, and maybe not even a Gresley. We can only work
with what happened not what might have.
Paul