When early 1830s near his home the construction started for the London and Birmingham Railway, the first main-line railway to enter London, this became Bourne's major source of inspiration. In 1836 Bourne started making drawings of the construction sides as subjects of professional study. These drawings were published in 1838/39 in a book in four volumes, with an accompanying text by John Britton. Late 1840 he lithographed some drawings for Robert Hay's publication, entitled "Illustration of Cairo." Bourne continued to draw railway scenes, and in the 1840s became associate with Charles Cheffins In 1846 He commissioned Bourne to produce a series of drawings about the Great Western Railway, which connected London with the south-west and west of England and most of Wales. This led to the 1846 publication of "History of the Great Western Railway." Bourne also draw the illustrations for Bennet Woodcroft's "A sketch of the origin and progress of steam navigation from authentic documents." with were lithographed by Cheffins.