Originally a ten-year series in the Society’s journal, the Darjeeling Mail, ‘Up the Line’ proved a valuable source of historical reference for UNESCO India’s Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The result was a working relationship with UNESCO that lasted over four years, culminating in Indian Railways granting access to the CCMP’s research. Unusually, author David Charlesworth is also the editor, designer and artist for the entire book, drawing on his invaluable experience with most books published about the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway since 1999.
The comprehensive maps are the most accurate ever published on the DHR and include full details of the sites of the lost loops and sidings, details of the gauge conversions, and the 125 plus level crossings. The extensive range of photographs includes many not previously published.