Springburn Virtual Museum

Railway industry

John Thomas, Springburn author and historian, c 1970

John Thomas was one of Britain's leading railway historians and the author of 'The Springburn Story'. Thomas's articles on railway-related topics were first published when John was only 14. Shortly after leaving school his first book, called 'Obstruction Danger', on the subject of railway disasters, was published.

His work made him a familiar figure throughout Springburn and Glasgow, and his warmth and wealth of railway and Springburn lore made him a popular one, much in demand for lectures and slide shows.

His railway histories include 'The North British Railway', 'The North British Atlantics', 'The Tay Bridge Disaster', 'The Scottish Railway Story', 'The Skye Line' and, perhaps most famous of all, 'The West Highland Railway'. John Thomas died in 1982.

Source: Glasgow City Archives