The Right Way, the Wrong Way and the Railway Great Victorian Rail Stories / Nick Anchen

The Right Way, the Wrong Way and the Railway takes a real 'warts and all' look at the Victorian Railways. Eight years in the making, this book abounds in history, humour, railway stuff-ups and the typical stupidity which often went with The Job. 

From the mysteries of safeworking to suburban shenanigans, from close shaves to the downright bizarre, this book has it all - right across the state - from the 1920s through to the 1980s. From the memories of 50 railwaymen and women, this book is 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' of the VR! 

About the Author

Author/photographer Nick Anchen was born with railways in the blood. His father and great grandfather were both railwaymen, so many stories were passed down through the family.

Eventually, Nick joined what was left of the Victorian Railways in 1999, becoming a driver on Melbourne’s suburban network. Over the years he heard many stories and yarns, told with great gusto by the drivers who had joined the job when the VR was a united system, with its own unique history and culture. Becoming a fireman on the Puffing Billy Railway added another dimension to his experience, and a taste of the steam days of old. 

The need to record Victoria’s railway and social history for posterity led Nick to begin a career in publishing, and his first book, Puffing Billy – Spirit of the Dandenongs, was released in 2007 and rapidly became a best-seller. The success of this publication resulted in the production of a series of high quality books on a range of topics, including railway and aviation history.