Trains and railways: general interest Books
Mortons Media Group The Ffestiniog Railway: Celebrating 150 Years of
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£19.00
Mortons Media Group British Railways Wagons: Their Loads and Loading:
Book SynopsisAll the vehicles of the BR era to the mid-1990s are described here, from the humble and ubiquitous four-wheelers to the rarer multi-axle monsters. The text is supported by many photographs and almost 150 dimensioned drawings and diagrams. The book also examines and explains the principles of loading and securing, and how those principles were applied to a huge range of traffic.
£18.04
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Railway British Track Since 1804
Book SynopsisThe most comprehensive history of the track used by railways of all gauges, tramways and cliff railways in Great Britain.
£21.25
Mortons Media Group The North Yorkshire Moors Railway and the Esk
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£31.50
The History Press Ltd The Steam Locomotive Story
Book SynopsisThe steam locomotive was a British invention and even today, the world speed record for steam remains with a British locomotive, Mallard. This insightful, fully illustrated story book follows the history of the steam locomotive and will delight all those interested in the steam age.
£9.49
Bonnier Books Ltd Steam Engines
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£4.99
HarperCollins Publishers Thomas Friends Thomas Goes on Holiday
Book SynopsisThomas is going on holiday!Join the little blue engine as he travels around the country visiting favourite holiday destinations in this delightful new picture book.Join Thomas as he puffs up Snowdon, zooms past Blackpool Tower, takes in the sights in London, and marvels at the seaside in Brighton!Thomas is on the trip of a lifetime and is meeting lots of new friends along the way. Enjoy the simple story and beautiful illustrations in this brand new picture book.Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for over 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved characters such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage.
£6.99
Capital Transport Publishing London's District Railway: Nineteenth Century
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£28.50
Key Publishing Ltd Germany's Railways: 30 Years After Re-Unification
Book SynopsisGermany, divided after World War II into two separate countries, was reunified on October 3, 1990. For the country's rail system, the complex task of unifying two networks with very different rolling stock and systems had just begun. New lines and stations were built to physically unite the network and new trains were introduced to transform services. Many rural regional lines closed as car ownership in the former East Germany increased dramatically. Amazingly, however, none of the former East German narrow-gauge lines that were still steam-operated in 1990 have shut; most still offer daily services while other long-closed narrow-gauge lines have been rebuilt and reopened by enthusiast groups. This book, written by the Modern Railways magazine's Europe Editor and illustrated with over 130 pictures, most of which have never been published before, traces the development of the unified German rail network and new national operator Deutsche Bahn (DB AG). It also looks at the wider rail industry in Germany and the introduction of market reforms leading to one of the most dynamic rail markets anywhere, with over 300 rail freight operators, open access intercity competition and more than 100 regional passenger concession contracts replacing the original two state railway companies. Looking to the future, the book examines plans for new high-speed lines and a national regular-interval timetable from 2030. 130 illustrations
£13.49
Profile Bradleys Railway Guide
Book Synopsis'A lifetime of railway love distilled into a most beautiful volume' Lucy Worsley'Our railway history could not have been told more palatably or more nourishingly' David Kynaston'The most attractive, comprehensive and easily digestible history of the oldest railway system in the world' Michael Palin In 1825 the Stockton & Darlington company strode into history with the opening of the world's first public steam railway. What the S&DR had pioneered soon picked up speed, transforming lives and landscapes, connecting far-flung corners of the nation and creating its own distinctive environments and working worlds. This ambitious and lavishly illustrated volume brings the story of Britain's railways to life, spanning two centuries of achievement and change. Full of colour and incident, it is an exhilarating journey through time and space, revisiting favourite themes and introducing unfamiliar stories and places. With original and engaging entries on everything from dining saloons to collect
£24.00
The History Press Ltd London Underground
Book SynopsisPaperback edition of an extraordinary collection of black and white photographs of London’s Underground
£13.49
Indiana University Press The Railroad Photography of Lucius Beebe and
Book SynopsisProviding the first book-length biography of Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg, Reevy's new book is an indispensable history of the work of two men who forever changed the way we see and experience American railroads.Trade Review"Railroad photography as we know it today could not have developed and thrived were it not for Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg. . . Tony Reevy turns the camera around to bring the two men behind the camera into a sharper focus in this long overdue book." - Jim Wrinn, editor of Trains Magazine * Trains *Beebe and Clegg were both pioneers in the world of artistic rail enthusiast photography and Tony Reevy is to be commended for telling their unique story so well. * Michigan Railfan *The book is predominately a photo book which is appropriate since it memorializes Beebe's and Clegg's contribution to the world of railroad photography. Their work has enhanced railfan's enjoyment of the railroad photo book genre immensely.The work of Beebe and Clegg has become legendary and deserves the attention of any serious railfan. -- Barry W. Smith * NRHS Bulletin *Table of ContentsPreface AcknowledgementsForeword by Jim ShaughnessyIntroduction1. The Three-Quarters Shot2. A Modernist View of the American Railroad3. Railroaders4. The Railroad in Its EnvironmentAppendix: Lucius Beebe and Charles Clegg: Technical Details of Their PhotographyNotesBibliographyIndex
£28.80
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Steam on the Southern and Western
Book SynopsisGood picture coverage & Informative, factual text
£18.75
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC British Diesel Locomotives of the 1950s and ‘60s
Book SynopsisAfter the Second World War, the drive for the modernisation of Britain’s railways ushered in a new breed of locomotive: the Diesel. Diesel-powered trains had been around for some time, but faced with a coal crisis and the Clean Air Act in the 1950s, it was seen as a part of the solution for British Rail. This beautifully illustrated book, written by an expert on rail history, charts the rise and decline of Britain’s diesel-powered locomotives. It covers a period of great change and experimentation, where the iconic steam engines that had dominated for a century were replaced by a series of modern diesels including the ill-fated ‘Westerns’ and the more successful ‘Deltics’.Table of ContentsIntroduction / Planning for the Future / Pilot Pioneers / Power Struggle / Setting the Standards / The Rate of Change / Planning for the Future (Again) / Diesel Locomotive Types Featured in this Book / Further Reading / Places to Visit / Index
£8.54
Amberley Publishing Railroads of Colorado
Book SynopsisA new stunning collection of photographs documenting the railways of the picturesque state of Colorado.
£14.39
Fonthill Media Ltd Further along the tracks: More reflections of a
Book SynopsisThe author came to London from Lancashire as a nine-year old having developed an interest in his local buses and Blackpool trams at a very early age. He remained in south-west London living in the Wandsworth and Wimbledon areas for the next 45 years. As a young teenager he took up locospotting joining a small group of fellow enthusiasts who met regularly by the lineside just west of Clapham Junction and for roughly ten years avidly followed his hobby. For the first half of that decade, his hobby was centred largely close to London because of age and money restrictions except for rare trips often family visits - further afield. In this second book, he describes his experiences from about 1960: visiting stations; lineside observations; and more official trips to depots and works, often with the RCTS. He gives us a spotters-eye view of the changes to British Railways at the time: the final steam locomotives arriving; the increasing impact of the Modernisation Plan; seeing elderly locomotives at work or at the end of their service life on scrap lines. After 1958, when he acquired his first camera it was used regularly to build up a library of photographs as finances allowed. Some of these, taken at a later date, have been used to illustrate his travels and exploits in the earlier years of his hobby and later, colour views are used to cover the preservation era.
£15.29
History Press Saving the Cumbres Toltec Scenic Railroad
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£16.99
Amberley Publishing Railroads of Wyoming
Book SynopsisA new stunning collection of photographs documenting the railways of the picturesque state of Wyoming.
£14.39
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Loco Spotters Guide
Book SynopsisFrom its development in the 1800s, the locomotive has had a huge impact on all aspects of British life as it has carried travelers and freight across the country. Beyond its impact on the nation''s economy and daily commute, the loco also spawned a new enthusiasm--train spotting. The perfect pocket guide to aid any would-be train spotter, this book portrays over sixty of the important locomotive designs that have graced British rails over almost two hundred years, covering everything from Stephenson''s Rocket and the Flying Scotsman to the BR Class 68 trains of 2013. Beautifully illustrated and with informative text, this book is the perfect companion to an afternoon spent on a windy, rainy platform or at a railway museum.
£8.11
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Flying Scotsman Pocket-Book
Book SynopsisThe LNER Class A3 Pacific locomotive No. 4472 'Flying Scotsman' is one of the world's most iconic steam engines. It was built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway at Doncaster Works to a design by Nigel Gresley. Taking its name from the London to Edinburgh non-stop service on which it was employed, 'Flying Scotsman' worked many long-distance express trains in a career in which it covered more than 2,000,000 miles (3,200,000 km). This fascinating pocket-book tells the story of this distinguished locomotive through authentic period literature including LNER and BR service manuals, giving an insight into her construction and operation from the height of her fame in the 1930s through to the end of her BR service in 1963.Table of ContentsIntroduction by R.H.N. Hardy British ‘Pacific’ Locomotives Compared L.N.E.R. Express Passenger Engine, 4–6–2, Pacific Type, 4472, ‘Flying Scotsman’ British Empire Exhibition Wembley 1924 New Rolling-Stock for Day East Coast Trains, L.N.E.R. Locomotive Tender With Side Corridor L.N.E.R. Inaugural King’s Cross–Edinburgh Non-Stop Runs, L.N.E.R. Spotting the Flying Scotsman The Permanent Way, Comfort and Curves On the Flying Scotsman by Eric Gill A Record L.N.E.R. Run Working Traffic Of A Double Line Over A Single Line Of Rails During Repairs Or Obstruction Walschaert’s Valve Gear (Inside Admission) Signals Alan Pegler interviewed by Hugh Gould 20th September 2000 Locomotive Practice And Performance ‘Flying Scotsman’ Locomotive Practice And Performance Non-Stop Again! A ride on the ‘Flying Scotsman’ George Hinchcliffe, Obituary Fortuitous Steam in the Blood ‘Flying Scotsman’s’ Australian Marathon 4472: The People’s Engine At Last! The ‘Flying Scotsman’ – the future
£9.49
Mortons Media Group Talyllyn Railway Recollections
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£7.89
Mortons Media Group Sixty Years of Preservation on the Talyllyn
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£18.99
Mortons Media Group Sixty Years of Volunteering on the Talyllyn
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£18.99
The Crowood Press Ltd Railways of Telford
Book SynopsisWhy did Telford need railways? Shropshire was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution in England. The railways provided a way of getting raw materials into the works and finished products to market, and the network grew steadily with the industries of the time; mining. brick and tile making, iron smelting and forging. Author David Clarke covers the history of the railway network and lines in Telford, from its early industrial beginnings to the present day. The book examines the importance of the coal and engineering industries to the region, and covers the rolling stock, signals, signal boxes and locomotive depots of the network. It details the variety of traffic that was generated in the area and traffic passing through. It also gives details never before published of the workings in and out of Hollinswood Yard.
£15.29
Haynes Publishing English Electric Class 50 Diesel Locomotive
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£17.24
Biteback Publishing Last Trains: Dr Beeching and the Death of Rural
Book SynopsisDuring the course of the 1950s England lost confidence in its rulers and convinced itself it must modernise. The failing steam-powered local railways, run by Colonel Blimp, symbolised everything that was wrong with the country - surely the future lay in motorways and high-speed express trains? Along came Dr Beeching with his diagnosis, and suddenly branch-line Britain was gone for ever. The debate about the Beeching cuts has raged ever since. In this superbly researched examination, Charles Loft exposes the political failures that bankrupted the railways and lays bare the increasing alienation of bureaucrats from the public they were trying to serve. The result is a fascinating study of a nation grappling to come to terms with modernity.
£11.24
Amberley Publishing Railroads around Chicago
Book SynopsisStunning original photographs of railways around Chicago, offers highlights of the exciting Midwestern city.
£14.39
Mortons Media Group Talyllyn Railway Recollections Part 3
Book SynopsisThe Talyllyn Railway is a remarkable survivor from a long past industrial age. It was built and opened in 1865 to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys Slate Quarry in the hills above Abergynolwyn village to Tywyn (then Towyn) from where it was shipped all around the world.The first passenger train ran in 1866 and the line runs from Tywyn (on the coast of Cardigan Bay) inland for 7 miles to Nant Gwernol. The slate traffic ceased in 1946 after a serious rock fall in the quarry. In 1950 the line's owner (Sir Henry Haydn Jones) died and the future of the railway looked very uncertain because it had been losing money for some years.However, a group of enthusiasts sought to prevent the line's closure and, as a result, the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society was formed and took over the Talyllyn Railway Company and it still owns it today.Over the ensuing years a great many improvements have been made and the volunteer members of the preservation society now provide most of the train crews and s
£10.99
Arcadia Publishing (SC) The North Shore Line
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£19.19
FUEL Publishing London Tube Stations 1924-1961
Book SynopsisCharles Holden's designs for the London Underground from the mid-1920s to the outbreak of World War II represent a high point of transport architecture and Modernist design in Britain. His collaboration with Frank Pick, the Chief Executive of London Transport, brought about a marriage of form and function still celebrated today. Pick used the term ‘Medieval Modernism’ to describe their work on the underground system, comparing the task to the construction of a great cathedral. London Tube Stations 1924 – 1961 catalogues and showcases every surviving station from this innovative period. These beautiful buildings, simultaneously historic and futuristic, have been meticulously documented by architectural photographer Philip Butler.Annotated with station-by-station overviews by writer and historian Joshua Abbott, the book provides an indispensable guide to the network's Modernist gems. All the key stations have a double page spread, with a primary exterior photograph alongside supporting images. A broader historical introduction, illustrated with archival images from the London Transport Museum, gives historical context, while a closing chapter lists the demolished examples alongside further period images.These stations, as famed architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner later noted, would "pave the way for the twentieth-century style in England".Table of ContentsForeword : The Allure of the SubterraneanIntroduction : Medieval ModernismA New Beginning : The Northern Line Extension to Morden 1924-1926 Re-make, Re-model : The Central London Stations 1927-1935Little Boxes : The Piccadilly Line West 1931-1934Into New Country : The Piccadilly Line East 1932-1933Repeat Performance : The District Line East 1932-1935Five Year Plan : The New Works Programme 1935-1939Before The Jubilee : The Bakerloo Line North 1936-1939Branching Out : The Central Line East 1940-1948The Long Goodbye : The Central Line West 1940-1961Victims of Progress : Demolished Stations
£19.96
Amberley Publishing Historical Railways Around the World
Book SynopsisWonderful historic images celebrating the variety of railways around the world over the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
£14.39
HarperCollins Publishers Thomas the Tank Engine Story Treasury
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£13.49
Capital Transport Publishing Tracks of London's Trams 1949-1952
Book SynopsisThis book tells what it was like to ride on the trams and what it was like to work on them in their final years. The text is accompanied by over 80 quality black and white photos, many by master of the art Don Thompson, and 25 colour photos.
£23.75
DK Train
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£34.00
Amberley Publishing Winter Railroading
Book SynopsisExplore these stunning original photographs celebrating the beauty of the railways in winter landscapes.
£14.39
Rydon Publishing Underground Railways of the World
Book SynopsisOver 200 underground railways are in service or under construction around the world. Many although of great importance to their cities and passengers are otherwise unremarkable, however others have fascinating stories to tell. With unique histories, unusual circumstances around their construction, unbelievable technical challenges to overcome, beautiful architecture and a whole host of colourful personalities this enthralling collection has it all. The first underground railway opened in London in 1863, with numerous major cities following, and since the year 2,000 an explosion in new systems with over 30 metros opening in China alone! From the Budapest World Heritage site, to the longest and busiest in Beijing; from the stunning architecture of Moscow to the mysterious Pyongyang Metro; from the Buenos Aires Subte the first in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world to the forthcoming Crossrail in London and the City Rail Link, the first in New Zealand.Table of Contents Introduction 06 Auckland: The City Rail Link 08 Australia 11 Beijing Subway 14 Berlin U-Bahn 18 Budapest Metro 23 Buenos Aires Underground: Subte 27 Chicago 'L' 30 London Underground 35 Crossrail 69 Madrid Metro 74 Mexico City Metro 79 Moscow Metro 82 New York Subway 94 Paris Métro 107 St Petersburg Metro 119 Pyongyang Metro 123 Shanghai Metro 127 Stockholm Metro 130 Vienna U-Bahn 136 The Rest of the World 140 Index 142
£8.99
Octopus Publishing Group Slow Trains Around Spain: A 3,000-Mile Adventure
Book SynopsisBetween soaring mountains, across arid deserts, parched plains and valleys of fruit orchards and olive groves, down glittering coastlines and along viaducts towering above plunging ravines... there is no better way to see Spain than by train.Rail enthusiast Tom Chesshyre, author of Slow Trains to Venice, Ticket to Ride and Tales from the Fast Trains, hits the tracks once again to take in the country through carriage windows on a series of clattering rides beyond the popular image of "holiday Spain" (although he stops by in Benidorm and Torremolinos too).From hidden spots in Catalonia, through the plains of Aragon and across the north coast to Santiago de Compostela, Chesshyre continues his journey via Madrid, the wilds of Extremadura, dusty mining towns, the cathedrals and palaces of Valencia and Granada, and finally to Seville, Andalusia's beguiling (and hot) capital.Encounters? Plenty. Mishaps? A lot. Happy Spanish days? All the way.Trade ReviewIf you ever need convincing that it's better to take the train than to fly, this is the book that makes a persuasive case. Follow Tom Chesshyre as he meanders through rural Spain on local and regional train services, stopping off here and there in small communities that are normally by-passed by tourists. A fine read, and a book that will be valued as much by armchair travellers as by those actually planning on visiting Spain. * Nicky Gardner, hidden europe *A book for our time... It's a lovely read, take it with you on a long, slow train journey; you'll be entertained and inspired. * Richard Hammond, Green Traveller *By turns humorous and sharply insightful, he affectionately paints a vivid portrait of a deeply divided and contrasting country, bringing to life its characters and landscapes like few other travel writers can. Always curious, witty and intelligent, his writing style and subject matter are deeply rewarding - even cathartic - especially at times when we can't travel ourselves. This is armchair travel at its satisfying best. * Francisca Kellett, travel writer *In the spirit of Laurie Lee in As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning and in the manner of Philip Larkin chronicling his slow southward journey in The Whitsun Weddings, Chesshyre takes us on a wondrously hypnotic meander across Spain. His attention to detail and unwillingness to be rushed, either as passenger or author, make this a highly relaxing and subtly addictive read. * Glen Mutel, National Geographic Traveller *
£8.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC London's Railway Stations
Book SynopsisAn illustrated historical tour of London's 13 great railway termini, on a clockwise circuit from Paddington to Victoria. London’s railway termini are among the most recognisable and familiar landmarks in the city. Famed for their bustling platforms and architectural innovation, they comprise a fascinating mixture of Neo-Gothic exuberance and purposeful modernity. Though each owes its existence to a long-extinct Victorian railway company, these stations continue to be central to London life, with millions of visitors passing through every year. This historical whistlestop tour takes you on a circuit of London’s thirteen great railway termini, from Paddington, through King’s Cross, to Victoria. Ranging from the earliest stations to the latest restorations and ongoing developments, this beautifully illustrated book examines both their legacy and their future.Trade ReviewThis is a delightful book. * The Historian *Table of ContentsIntroduction The Stations - Paddington - Marylebone - Euston - St. Pancras - King's Cross - Liverpool Street - Fenchurch Street - London Bridge - Cannon Street - Blackfriars - Charing Cross - Waterloo - Victoria Glossary Index
£8.54
Mortons Media Group MODEL RAILWAYS EXPLAINED (Beyond the beginning):
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£18.00
America Through Time Tracking the Chili Line Railroad to Santa Fe
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£19.99
Amberley Publishing Railways in the North American Landscape
Book SynopsisStunning original photography from Mike Danneman, former art director of Trains magazine, celebrating the beauty and majesty of railways in the great North American landscape.
£16.19
Indiana University Press The Panama Railroad
Book Synopsis-The first comprehensive account of the construction of the Panama Railroad, the forerunner to the Panama Canal. - The narrative focuses on the ordinary Irish workers that built the railroad. -The only other monograph on the Panama Railroad was published in the 1960s and has numerous factual errors.Trade ReviewThe first thing that readers will notice about this book is that it is the result of a very thorough examination of the railroad's construction. The extensive research that Pyne undertook in order to present this comprehensive story is commendable. -- Bill Hough * NRHS Bulletin *Table of ContentsIntroductionPart I: Construction1. The Grand Design2. A False Start3. Slow Progress4. A New Departure5. Hopes Dashed6. The Final PushPart II: The Workers7. The Men Who Built the Railroad8. Working Conditions9. Workers' Amenities10. MortalityPart III: The Irish11. The American Irish12. The Men from CorkPart IV: Epilogue13. Railroad-Government Relations14. The AftermathConclusion
£35.10
HarperCollins Publishers Railway Day Trips
Book SynopsisFully updated essential guide to exploring Britain by train, Railway Day Trips is ideal for anyone planning or looking for inspiration for a rail journey. From bestselling railway author Julian Holland.This pocket companion is perfect for both casual and seasoned rail travellers. Plan adventures, follow the changing landscape through the train window and discover fascinating destinations.Each journey incorporates a location map, route diagram and descriptive text on its history and geography, plus some of the highlights awaiting you at each destination. High-quality photographs illustrate every route throughout the book.Based on his extensive knowledge of British rail travel, the author reveals appealing quirks of the various routes and provides practical tips on how to make the most of your journey.160 day trips from all over the country are featured, departing from major towns and cities and culminating at a variety of interesting destinations.This 2nd edition includes 10 new routes:Trade Review"This pocket companion will quickly become an essential guide for anyone exploring Britain by train" - The Gazette "ideal for train lovers of all ages" - Monmouthshire County Life “Railway Day Trips is ideal for anyone planning or looking for inspiration for a rail journey.” - Motor Books
£13.49
HarperCollins Publishers Shinoy and the Chaos Crew The Day of Treacherous
Book SynopsisCollins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Book banded for guided and independent reading, there are reading notes in the back, comprehensive teaching and assessment support and ebooks available.When Shinoy downloads the Chaos Crew app on his phone, a glitch in the system gives him the power to summon his TV heroes into his world. With the team on board, Shinoy can figure out what dastardly plans S.N.A.I.R. has come up with, and save the day.Location: An out-of-control train!Operative: Merit, at the mercy of dodgy phone receptionMission: Stop the train from entering the Forbidden Zone!This exciting title is part of the Shinoy and the Chaos Crew series by Chris Callaghan.Lime/Band 11 books have longer sentence structures and a greater use of literary language.Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimula
£10.20
HarperCollins Publishers Thomas and Friends Race for the Sodor Cup
Book SynopsisJoin Thomas and friends for a fun-filled adventure in this All Engines Go picture book!Kana hopes to compete in the action-packed Sodor Cup Race, but when her partner Kenji suffers a damaged fender, Thomas bravely steps up to the challenge.Can he and Kana overcome the many obstacles and work together as a team to win the Sodor Cup?ReadySetToot toot!Thomas has been teaching children lessons about life and friendship for over 75 years. He ranks alongside other beloved characters such as Paddington Bear, Winnie-the-Pooh and Peter Rabbit as an essential part of our literary heritage.More Thomas All Engines Go stories to share:Thomas & Friends: Chasing Rainbows ISBN 9780008534097Thomas & Friends: Thomas & Bruno ISBN 9780008537074Thomas & Friends: The Biggest Adventure Club ISBN 9780008615598Thomas & Friends: Meet Team Thomas ISBN 9780008616816Thomas & Friends: Feelings ISBN 9780008615505Thomas & Friends: Peep! Peep! Potty Star ISBN 9780008534172Thomas & Friends: Potty Star! Sticker Activity ISBN 9780008534271Thomas & Friends: Magnet Book ISBN 9780008586874
£7.59
HarperCollins Publishers Final Destination
Book Synopsis''A beautifully observed and sympathetic tour of modern Britain that runs on the tracks of our years.''David Quantick''CharmingThe accounts will make any fan of railways want to experience these delights for themselves.'' The IndependentAll aboard for a one-of-a-kind journey by train to some of the most obscure parts of BritainOn the 200th birthday of the world's first passenger-carrying railway, Nige Tassell sets out to ride Britain's railway network all the way to its lesser-travelled-to corners, its seldom-visited outposts. From Wick to Penzance and many points in between, he stays on until the end of the line. He is the last man sitting.The sixteen final destinations he visits offer sixteen different stories. By delving into their histories, by speaking to their people and by having a good old-fashioned nose around, Tassell reveals much about places that rarely have light cast upon them from ferry ports to abandoned resorts, from tiny hamlets to towns being reclaimed by the sea. It''s a journey that takes in Harry Potter, Muhammad Ali, goths, Alan Bennett, Vera Brittain, Viz comic, Alex Horne, Nigel Farage. Vikings, John Betjeman, Aneurin Bevan, Tyson Fury, Charlotte Rampling''s dad and the weepy judge from The Great Pottery Throwdown. All human life is here.So grab yourself a window seat for an odyssey that tells us much about Britain today. All aboard, all aboard.
£17.00
HarperCollins Publishers Collins Rail Map of Europe
Book SynopsisLooking for your next adventure? This rail map of Europe is the perfect planning and travel companion
£11.69
Vintage Publishing Italian Ways
Book SynopsisBorn in Manchester, Tim Parks grew up in London and studied at Cambridge and Harvard. In 1981 he moved to Italy where he has lived ever since. He is the author of novels, non-fiction and essays, including Europa, Cleaver, A Season with Verona and Teach Us to Sit Still. He has won the Somerset Maugham, Betty Trask and Llewellyn Rhys awards, and been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. He lectures on literary translation in Milan, writes for publications such as the New Yorker and the New York Review of Books, and his many translations from the Italian include works by Moravia, Calvino, Calasso, Tabucchi and Machiavelli.Trade ReviewAll Italy is here, its history, its character, its flaws * Sunday Times *A treat equivalent to a ride on the Orient Express * Wall Street Journal *Like the best train journeys, you don’t want it to end * New Statesman *A very funny hosanna to Italian railroad locomotion in all its rackety glory * Evening Standard, Books of the Year *Parks has the keenest of eyes for the telling of amusing detail ... He remains the best interpreter of Italian ways in Italy * Sunday Herald *Tim Parks has written a book about Italian railways that is engrossing, entertaining, and wonderfully revealing about the country and its people. It makes perfect armchair travelling – a delight from beginning to end -- David LodgeAll Italy is here, its history, its character, its flaws, and some of the things that Parks loves about the place * Sunday Times *The book is, as Tim Parks says, a search for the Italian character, which he evokes in dozens of gorgeously written scenes; but beyond that Parks is exploring the dynamic between tradition and innovation... Underneath everything, Parks is trying to come to a point of loving the world in all its confusion and frustration, and by the book's end he does, he does. Bravo -- David ShieldsThis latest peg on which to hang another ruminative book about the character of Italy provides Parks with a first-class ticket to ride as a lively, erudite raconteur in salty daily negotiation with what he calls a ‘dystopian paradise’ -- Iain Finlayson * The Times *With Paul Theroux apparently winding down, there might be an opening for Parks as a new laureate of international railways -- Andrew Martin * Observer *
£9.49
