The Untold Railway Stories

A collection of new writing, little known stories and fresh perspectives on train travel and railway history, to mark the 200th anniversary of passenger rail journeys. Join contributors, Monisha Rajesh, Felicity Spector, Sam Williams and Vicki Pipe in conversation with broadcaster Jo Durrant as they discuss stories of trains, passengers and global history, exploring the connective joy of railways as well as the complex backstories and politics as we follow their travels by train across the world.

Monisha Rajesh - from Poland & Belgium comes the story of Simon Gronowski, survivor of 20th Convoy, one of the few successful resistance sabotages of Holocaust transport trains.

Vicki Pipe - UK - the pleasures, trials and tribulations of a very ordinary journey across the UK. A railway enthusiast digs into the lingering effects of early investment, spurs to developments and political decisions.

Sam Williams - Tanzania & Zambia - a journey along the African Tszara railway line from Dar Es Salaam through Zambia - the original Chinese railway construction project in Africa.

Felicity Spector - Ukraine - Iron Bravery - How the Ukrainian railways have maintained a 94% punctuality rate through bombing, power cuts and invasion.

Jo Durrant is a broadcaster, podcaster, and event host. She presents the award-winning arts & science podcast 'Jo Durrant's Beautiful Universe'. She's a highly respected and accomplished interviewer and event chair, and a familiar face at literature, history, and science festivals. For over 20 years Jo was a presenter, producer & reporter with BBC radio and interviewed hundreds of people, from Melanie C to Tim Peake. She is now freelance and divides her time between BBC radio & other audio/podcast projects and event hosting. She is based in Gloucestershire.