British Railways Steam Locomotives, 1948-1968


Book Description

An exhaustive and monumental listing of every steam locomotive operated by British Railways from Nationalisation until the end of steam in 1968, now brought completely up to date in a second edition.




British Railways Steam 1948-1970


Book Description

Railway sleuth Les Summers unravels the politics and policies that led to the abandonment of steam traction under British Railways. In this fascinating account, he examines the twilight of steam in the era that shaped the future of our railways.




British Railways 1948-73


Book Description

Originally published in 1986, this is a business history of the first twenty-five years of nationalised railways in Britain. Commissioned by the British Railways Board and based on the Board's extensive archives, it fully analyses the dynamics of nationalised industry management and the complexities of the vital relationship with government. After exploring the origins of nationalisation, the book deals with the organisation, financial performance, investment and commercial policies of the British Transport Commission (1948-2), Railway Executive (1948-53) and British Railways Board (1963-73). Calculations of profit and loss, investment, and productivity are provided on a consistent basis for 1948-73. This business history thus represents a major contribution not only to the debate about the role of the railways in a modern economy but also to that concerning the nationalised industries, which have proved to be one of the most enduring problems of the British economy since the war.




Classic British Steam Locos


Book Description

do you want to know everything on steam locos, how they work? Read about the technology and lots of steam locos like the flying Scotsman. Compiled from Wikipedia pages and published by dr Googelberg.




Great Britain's Railways


Book Description

Explore a highly illustrated and comprehensive look at the story of 400 years of Britain's railways.




British Railways Steam Locomotive Allocations 1948-1968


Book Description

A comprehensive companion volume to Hugh Longworth's 'British Railways Steam Locomotives 1948-1968', this latest title provides a locomotive-by-locomotive allocation record from 1948 to1963.




Detailing and Modifying Ready-to-Run Locomotives in 00 Gauge


Book Description

During the twenty years in which Britain's nationalized railway operated mainline steam locomotives, a vast array of individual designs complemented the British Railways 'Standard' machines, built up to 1960. Such was the variety of motive power to be seen on the network that this 'early' period of BR's existence has proved to be the most enduring amongst enthusiasts and modellers. The ready-to-run market has reflected this popularity in terms of models and liveries available off-the-shelf. Despite constantly rising levels of detail, finish and performance, r-t-r models can never cater for every variation in components, equipment or livery that invariably arose within large and long-lived fleets. Nor can they offer particular running numbers and names to satisfy every customer, while older products may also require work to bring them up to the standard of contemporary offerings. Therefore, being able to change factory-applied decals, add period or individual locomotive-specific details, modify a livery or create an authentic weathered finish can prove vital to achieving a heightened sense of realism and individuality within our traction fleets. Aimed at modellers of all abilities and serious model railway enthusiasts, this book gives details of a wide range of techniques, materials and tools and is lavishly illustrated wtih 400 colour photographs.




British Steam BR Standard Locomotives


Book Description

After WWII the existing railway companies were all put into the control of the newly formed British Transport Commission and that government organization spawned British Railways, which came into being on 1st January 1948. The railway infrastructure had suffered badly during the war years and most of the steam locomotives were 'tired' and badly maintained and or life expired. Although the management of British Railways was already planning to replace steam power with diesel and electric engines/units they still took a decision to build more steam locomotives (as a stop gap). Some 999 (yes just 1 short) Standard locomotives were built in 12 classes ranging from super powerful express and freight engine to suburban tank locomotives. The locomotives were mainly in good order when the order came in 1968 to end steam, some only 8 years old.There still exists a fleet of 46 preserved Standards of which 75% are in working order in and around the UKs preserved railways, furthermore 3 new build standard locomotives are proposed. Steam fans who were around in the 1960s all remember the 'Standards'.




Railway Man


Book Description

Railway Man begins with author Mitchell Deaver paying a nostalgic visit to Bickle signal box, base of boyhood adventures described in his first book Railway Boy. Shortly after, he leaves rural Yorkshire for life in the big cities. It is 1968. Railway Man describes the emotionally devastating draw-down of steam traction on British Railways. Three steam sheds remain: Carnforth, Lostock Hall and Rose Grove. The end comes when the last steam train runs on 11th August. The total steam ban is unbearable. Mitchell Deaver's brainchild, the Return to Steam Committee, tries to get steam back on British Railways. In 1980 Mitchell Deaver achieves a boyhood dream and becomes a signalman on the busy North London Line. Railway Man describes the realities of operating a mechanical signal box, one that is open continuously. Life as a signalman is not without incident. A mischievous letter prompts a visit from senior management. Signal box operations degenerate into a scene from the Marx Brothers. A signalmen's night out turns into a baffling conspiracy. In this true story set in the cities of Birmingham, Liverpool and London and spanning two decades, Railway Man describes a monumental battle between, on one side, Mitchell Deaver's love of railways and, on the other, forces that try to draw him elsewhere. Which side wins?