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What is the story behind the Mallard's speed record? Why did Brunel's atmospheric South Devon Railway fail? Who were the most famous locomotive engineers and designers? How did a locomotive manage to reach the summit of Snowdon Mountain in the 19th century? Travel through the enthralling history of British railways from the glorious age of steam right through to the present railway networks with this collection of fascinating and diverse facts and stories. Discover the world's oldest active steam locomotive before becoming up-to-date with railways in films, such as Harry Potter. In addition to fascinating lists of the longest tunnels, widest bridges and most powerful locomotives, ponder the dismal failure of Brunel's atmospheric railway in South Devon, before reading the rags-to riches tale of Frank Hornby. From the sublime to the ridiculous and the euphoric to the poignant, every railway enthusiast is catered for in Amazing and Extraordinary Railway Facts.