Shop by Era
Understanding the railway era system.
The operation of the railway network in the United Kingdom has evolved greatly since the 1826 Liverpool & Manchester Railway Act, which engendered the 'railway mania' of the pioneering local regional companies in the Victorian era and their eventual consolidation that occurred towards the end of the 19th century. Then came the emergence of the 'Big Four', followed by Nationalisation, Sectorisation, Privatisation and finally, the modern day Franchising arrangements.
Era 1 - Pioneering (1804-1869)
Era 2 - Pre-Grouping (1870-1922)
Era 3 - Grouping (1923-1947)
Era 4 - Early BR (1948-1956)
Era 5 - Late British Railways (1957-1968)
Era 6 - Pre-TOPS (1957-1971)
Railway Era System
This era system reflects all relevant time periods, especially when taking into account the 'grey' areas that have arisen as one period blurs into the next