Manchester and Birmingham Railway

MANCHESTER AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY – A few weeks ago we announced that the directors of the company had appointed Mr Rastrick their engineer in chief. We understand that at a meeting of the board on Monday last, Mr George Watson Buck was appointed the resident engineer, with directions to enter on his active duties immediately. This gentleman has been employed during the last three years in superintending the formation of the London and Birmingham Railway from London to Tring, a distance of upwards of thirty miles. This part of the line is now open to the public, and comprises a great variety of heavy work, the execution of which reflects great credit on the skill and industry of Mr Buck, and has given the utmost satisfaction to the company and their engineer, Mr Robert Stephenson. [Manchester Guardian 22 November 1837]

The line, which cost about £1,890,000, was opened in three sections Manchester to Stockport, 4 June 1840; Stockport to Sandbach, 10 May 1842; Sandbach to Crewe 10 August 1842. In 1838 he became solely responsible for building the railway from Manchester to Crewe. On his return to England he resumed duties on the Manchester & Birmingham which he completed in 1842.