Trains and railways: general interest Books

3243 products


  • Canadian Pacific in the Rockies

    Key Publishing Ltd Canadian Pacific in the Rockies

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Canadian Pacific Railway was built to unite all the Canadian Provinces with a transcontinental line running from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Many obstacles were encountered during construction including the Rocky Mountains, a formidable range of mountains in Western Alberta and Eastern British Columbia. Originally planned to run further north, the line eventually crossed the Continental Divide at Kicking Horse Pass, a challenge to railway operating that still exists today despite the use of high-horsepower diesel locomotives. Illustrated with unique photographs, taken over a number of years, this book covers the line from Exshaw, where it first encounters the Rockies, to Golden. The variety of traffic found on the line is shown against a backdrop of stunning scenery that is encountered along the line. Also detailed is the other Canadian Pacific line in the south of Alberta, which traverses Crowsnest Pass. 180 illustrations

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • Devon's Railways: North and East of the Country

    Key Publishing Ltd Devon's Railways: North and East of the Country

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis, the first of two volumes covering the railways of Devon, follows the routes of the two main lines that enter the county from the east. Firstly, the former Western Region line is examined as it runs from Whiteball Tunnel in the Blackdown Hills and down along the attractive Culm and Exe Valleys to the county town of Exeter. It then takes the reader over the former Southern Region line from Axminster through rolling countryside to Exeter where the two routes meet. In addition, the book explores the branch lines that are still open in this part of the county; firstly, the one to Exmouth, which runs beside the Exe estuary for half of its length, and then by way of a contrast, the line to Barnstaple, which penetrates the rural heart of Devon to reach the county's north coast. Finally, a look is taken at the Okehampton branch, which has just been acquired by Network Rail and is about to have its passenger service reinstated. Illustrated with over 180 colour photographs, only a few of which have been published previously, this volume records many of the changes that have taken place over the last 35 years to both the infrastructure and trains. Coverage is mainly of service trains, but a number of special workings are also included. It depicts some of the older locomotive classes in their final days as well as the traction that provides today's services.

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • West Coast Main Line Locomotive Haulage

    Key Publishing Ltd West Coast Main Line Locomotive Haulage

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe West Coast Main Line, which runs from London Euston to Glasgow Central with branches to Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool, has historically been Britain's most important trunk route, giving it a rich and interesting history, not just in terms of motive power and rolling stock, but also when considering the politics of its construction and operation. This book gives a flavour of the many varieties of locomotives and other rolling stock that have operated over the West Coast Main Line, including details of its creation and operation. Utilising maps and drawings, useful information on line speeds and gradients is also provided. With over 110 images, this volume gives an all-encompassing history of locomotive haulage on the West Coast Main Line.

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • Key Publishing Ltd Railways of South West Scotland: Two Generations

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis"Illustrated with over 180 photographs, this book presents two generations of railway photography of the southwest of Scotland. The two 20-year periods of 1960-80 and 2001-21 were chosen because the former covers the changeover years from steam to diesel, and the latter covers privatisation, electrification, a range of very colourful trains and a reawakening of the rail network in the southwest after the downward trend during the last years of BR. The book amply illustrates the lines from Glasgow to Gretna down the Ayrshire and Inverclyde coast to Stranraer, along with the former Glasgow and South Western line through Kilmarnock and Dumfries. In addition, many of the branches and minor routes are also catered for. Exploring the region through the decades, this book is an invaluable source of reference for railway enthusiasts interested in the railways of the southwest of Scotland."

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • Mainline Passenger Trains In and Around London

    Key Publishing Ltd Mainline Passenger Trains In and Around London

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisContaining over 170 photographs, this book illustrates a new era of modern traction in and out of the capital at the start of the 2020s, covering all four corners of London and up to a 30-mile radius outside to give a wonderful blend of both urban and rural imagery. It covers every mainline Passenger operator that run services in and out of London and aims to give an up-to-date account of the most recent changes to both, liveries, operator and motive power. This is illustrated with 180 high quality images, most of which have never been published before, capturing the ever-changing rail scene and cityscape in and around London. With the Department for Transport's quest for newer, more reliable, modernised trains that are fully accessible, this work captures the final days of much life-expired rolling stock, livery transitions under new franchise arrangements and the introduction of the next generation of trains. This book is the ultimate enthusiast's compilation of the new era of trains in and out of London and covers an extensive range of traction some of which is now, or will soon be, confined to the history books.

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • Japan's Railways: Hokkaido to Chubu

    Key Publishing Ltd Japan's Railways: Hokkaido to Chubu

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisAt the start of the Menji Era Japan emerged from its hundreds of years of self-imposed isolation and modernised rapidly. Part of this modernisation was the construction of railways, the first railway opened between Tokyo and Yokohama in 1872. This was followed by a rapid expansion of the network, both government and privately constructed, so by the early 20th century the bones of a national system were in place. However, by far the largest development of railways in Japan in the second half of the 20th Century has been the development of the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) network. Even before the Second World War it was recognised that the Tokaido Line between Tokyo, and the Kansai Region was reaching capacity, and the brave decision was made to construct a brand-new high-speed line on a new alignment. Beautifully illustrated, this book is a product of seeral visits made by the author to Japan over a 14-year period. During this time, new trains had been introduced, old trains retired; new lines had opened, some lines sadly have closed, and several fine new museums had opened. This book looks at the changing scene of Japan's railways.

    3 in stock

    £14.39

  • Class 73s

    Key Publishing Ltd Class 73s

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisBuilt in the 1960s, the Class 73s were primarily used on the Southern Region, owing to their ability to operate from either a diesel engine or third rail. Until the recent introduction of the Class 88s, they were unique in their electro-diesel ability. The initial 73s were either 73/0 or 73/1, depending on production run, and a select few were used on services to Gatwick in the 1980s and reclassified as 73/2s. The last sub-class was the 73/9s, which were converted by GB Railfreight and given new engines. The Class 73s have never been the best-looking machines on the railway (some even nicknamed them shoeboxes'), but the years of service these workhorses have provided certainly cannot be faulted. As the 73/9s continue to find work around the UK, it seems they may be part of the railway scene for a long while to come. With over 220 images, this book shows off all the sub-classes of the 73s and their work around the country.

    1 in stock

    £14.39

  • British Rail Shunters: The Final Years

    Key Publishing Ltd British Rail Shunters: The Final Years

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe first half of the 1990s was a period of significant change for the BR shunter fleet, which by now almost entirely consisted of Class 08s and Class 09s. The Sectorisation structure that had been in place at the beginning of the decade was replaced in the run up to privatisation with the locomotives divided up between passenger and freight operators in preparation for selling off to private companies. At the same time, rationalisation of the fleet was continuing as traffic levels continued to fall while new hire firms began to emerge, these offering shunters to industrial concerns. This naturally brought a plethora of colourful liveries as the new operators divested themselves from BR. This book examines this period of great change, culminating with the final demise of the national railway operator in 1997.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Railways of Asia: South Korea and Taiwan

    Key Publishing Ltd Railways of Asia: South Korea and Taiwan

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSince World War Two, South Korea and Taiwan have expanded their respective railway networks to add modern high-speed and urban metro lines, and in the process have become technological powerhouses. Emerging from three decades of Japanese occupation and the Korean War, the nascent Republic of South Korea had a sizeable railway system already in place. Later in the century, it tendered for the construction of high-speed lines, which are now in full operation, together with a host of technologically advanced metro and light-rail networks serving the major cities. Taiwan had also seen a long spell of occupation by Japan, which had constructed railways and accompanying infrastructure throughout the island. After World War Two and the ensuing Chinese Civil War, Taiwan became the refuge of the deposed Nationalist government and went on to develop its own high-tech culture. This included high-speed railways to complement the stopping services built on largely unfavourable, mountainous terrain. With over 180 colour photographs, this book offers a visual record of travels around South Korea and Taiwan, incorporating important historical events and technological developments and enticing visitors from around the world.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Class 68s

    Key Publishing Ltd Class 68s

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis book covers all aspects of the popular Class 68s, including the order, construction and delivery of the fleet, and technical details. It looks at their operations on Chiltern and TransPennine Express services and their appearances on secondary passenger duties in Scotland, East Anglia and the Cumbrian Coast. This richly illustrated book contains not only photographs of the class around the UK, but also detailed diagrams and maps, full histories of the lines and details of future plans for the class.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Class 31s

    Key Publishing Ltd Class 31s

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisPerhaps overshadowed by more 'exotic' locos, the Class 31s nonetheless played a significant part in British Railways' Modernisation Plan. Intended for use on more lightly loaded and shorter-distance trains on routes away from the main lines, the 263 original Brush Type 2 locomotives were new between 1957 and 1962 and entered service on the Eastern Region. They could soon be found all across the country. Not long into their careers, they were renumbered into Class 31 under the TOPS system and, over time, four subclasses were developed. The most numerous was the steam heat boiler-fitted 31/1, examples of which were further modified with electric train heating (ETH) to produce the 31/4. Towards the end of the class's collective lifespan came two more developments, the 31/5 and 31/6. The fact that so many still survive after decades of sterling service is testament to their usefulness and versatility, and they are especially appreciated on the various heritage lines up and down the country. This volume includes more than 200 images showing these workhorses in action, mostly in the south of England.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Heritage DMUs: The Final Years

    Key Publishing Ltd Heritage DMUs: The Final Years

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisAt the beginning of the privatisation era of Britain's railways, there was a pause in new rolling stock deliveries. As a result, a handful of diesel multiple units (DMUs) remained in service in small pockets around England, Wales and Scotland. A slow start to new train orders and an expansion of passenger services meant that withdrawal of these units was slower than intended. In fact, some managed to eke out their final days into the new millennium. With over 190 images, most previously unpublished, this book illustrates the different types of units and the areas in which they operated during the post-privatisation years up to 2002. It includes units that saw further use as departmental units and a look at some of the residual withdrawn and stored vehicles that were dotted around the country. This book provides an overview of the final operations that the heritage DMUs were involved in. These unsung heroes of the 1955 modernisation plan certainly gave their worth and, thankfully, many can still be seen today on the railway preservation scene.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Britain's Railways in the 1990s

    Key Publishing Ltd Britain's Railways in the 1990s

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £8.54

  • Key Publishing Ltd Railways of Asia Singapore and Malaysia

    1 in stock

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • Key Publishing Ltd Canals and Railways of Wiltshire

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisLavishly illustrated with over 450 images, this book presents scenic views and a history of the canals and railways of Wiltshire, in the southwest of England.

    1 in stock

    £21.24

  • Along Different Lines: 70 Real Life Railway

    The History Press Ltd Along Different Lines: 70 Real Life Railway

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisRunning a railway is a complex business. However organised it is, there will always be surprises: often hilarious, frequently unexpected, but sometimes serious.Along Different Lines includes such bizarre ‘everyday’ events as coping with hurricanes, rogue locomotives and runaway wagons; PR successes and otherwise; the Brighton Belle, Flying Scotsman and Mallard; training-course capers; a wino invasion; trackside antics; the Eurostar backdrop; the birth of a prison; and royal and other special occasions.Expert authors Geoff Body and Bill Parker lovingly compiled this entertaining collection in which railway professionals recall notable incidents from across their careers. This illustrated compilation provides an enjoyable look back at life on the railways.

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Loco Motion

    The History Press Ltd Loco Motion

    Book SynopsisThe definitive reference book revealing the very oldest examples of steam locomotives all over the world

    £21.25

  • Train Traveller

    Key Publishing Ltd Train Traveller

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • Dumfries and Galloway's Lost Railways

    Stenlake Publishing Dumfries and Galloway's Lost Railways

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • Argyll and the Highlands' Lost Railways

    Stenlake Publishing Argyll and the Highlands' Lost Railways

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • Shropshire's Lost Railways

    Stenlake Publishing Shropshire's Lost Railways

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £10.00

  • Lost Railways of County Donegal

    Stenlake Publishing Lost Railways of County Donegal

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • The Highland Railway

    Stenlake Publishing The Highland Railway

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £27.00

  • Stenlake Publishing Lost Railways of County Durham

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • Lost Railways of West Sussex

    Stenlake Publishing Lost Railways of West Sussex

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £10.95

  • The Lost Railways of Yorkshire's West Riding: The Central Section: Bradford, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield

    1 in stock

    £20.85

  • The Lost Railways of Essex

    Stenlake Publishing The Lost Railways of Essex

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • The Lothians' Last Days of Colliery Steam

    Stenlake Publishing The Lothians' Last Days of Colliery Steam

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £10.00

  • Leicestershire's Lost Railways

    Stenlake Publishing Leicestershire's Lost Railways

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £10.95

  • Getting the Train: The History of Scotland's

    Stenlake Publishing Getting the Train: The History of Scotland's

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £10.00

  • Waverley Route: The Battle for the Borders

    Stenlake Publishing Waverley Route: The Battle for the Borders

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £17.05

  • The North British Railway: A History

    Stenlake Publishing The North British Railway: A History

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £33.26

  • Old Stockton-on-Tees: including Norton and

    Stenlake Publishing Old Stockton-on-Tees: including Norton and

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £10.95

  • Tribute to the Western Region Hydraulics

    Stenlake Publishing Tribute to the Western Region Hydraulics

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • Stenlake Publishing Classic Diesel Years: Perth to Inverness

    Out of stock

    Book Synopsis

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • Stenlake Publishing Clwyd's Lost Railways

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    3 in stock

    £11.35

  • Rail Ramble Round Ireland, July 1969

    Stenlake Publishing Rail Ramble Round Ireland, July 1969

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £12.30

  • Classic Diesel Years Cumbrian Coast

    Stenlake Publishing Classic Diesel Years Cumbrian Coast

    1 in stock

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • Banffshires Railways

    Stenlake Publishing Banffshires Railways

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • Classic Diesel Years Northumberland

    Stenlake Publishing Classic Diesel Years Northumberland

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.35

  • The Plans Of The Most Important Cities and Towns

    Historical Images Ltd The Plans Of The Most Important Cities and Towns

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £14.99

  • St Pancras Station

    Profile Books Ltd St Pancras Station

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSimon Bradley traces the history of the station, introducing us to the men behind the architecture and looks at its new international status. This fine new edition includes a fascinating chapter on the new hotel and some timely revisions bringing it fully up to date. 'A marvellous piece of social, aesthetic and technological history... it is impossible to praise Bradley's book too highly' A. N. Wilson, Daily Telegraph 'Brilliantly and with deft hand, Simon Bradley makes sense of it all ... fabulous' Sunday Telegraph 'A masterpiece of historical context ... immensely readable' Sunday Times 'This fine book examines the history of both the church that gave the station its name and the railway terminus ... unexpectedly compelling' Daily MailTrade ReviewA sprightly social, technological and architectural history ... most entertaining * Evening Standard *

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • Great Western Railway Pannier Tanks

    The Crowood Press Ltd Great Western Railway Pannier Tanks

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe name 'Great Western Railway' immediately conjures up images of Stars, Castles and Kings, the legendary express passenger locomotives that were the envy of the world in their day. However, the Swindon empire also produced extensive fleets of all-purpose tank engines - everyday reliable workhorses and unsung heroes - which were also standout classics in their own right. The most distinctive and immediately recognizable type in terms of shape, all but unique to the GWR, was the six-coupled pannier tank. With hundreds of photographs throughout, Great Western Railway Pannier Tanks covers: the supremely innovative pannier tank designs of GWR chief mechanical engineer Charles Benjamin Collett and the appearance of the 5700 class in 1929 and the 5400, 6400, 7400 and 9400 classes. The demise of the panniers in British Railways service and the 5700s that marked the end of Western Region steam are discussed along with a second life beneath the streets - 5700 class panniers on London Underground. Finally, there is a section on panniers in preservation, plus cinema and TV roles and even a Royal Train duty.

    2 in stock

    £22.50

  • A Contemporary Perspective on GWR Signalling:

    The Crowood Press Ltd A Contemporary Perspective on GWR Signalling:

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisFor over 150 years Britain's railways have relied on a system of semaphore signalling, but by 2020, all semaphore signals and lineside signal boxes will be gone. A Contemporary Perspective on GWR Signalling provides a unique record of the last operational mechanical signalling and infrastructure on Britain's railway network, as it applied to the former Great Western Railway (and lines owned jointly with other companies). It also includes a comprehensive explanation of what mechanical signalling is and how it works. There is detailed coverage of the signal boxes and infrastructure on Network Rail, including routes through Shrewsbury, Hereford, Worcester, Cornwall, Chester and North Warwickshire. Beautifully illustrated with over 400 contemporary images and with detailed information from a 2003-2014 survey, this is an essential resource for anyone with an interest in the traditional signalling systems of railways in Britain.

    1 in stock

    £17.99

  • On The Slow Train: Twelve Great British Railway

    Cornerstone On The Slow Train: Twelve Great British Railway

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis'A trip back in time' DAILY TELEGRAPHA love of railways, a love of history, a love of nostalgia.______________________________Get ready to board the slow train to another era, to a time when travel meant more than hurrying from one place to the next. On the Slow Train will reconnect you with that long-missed need for escape, and reminds us to lift our heads from the daily grind and remember that there are still places in Britain where we can take the time to stop and stare. This book is a paean to another age: before milk churns, train porters and cats on seats were replaced by security announcements and Burger King wrappers. These 12 spectacular journeys will help free us from what Baudelaire denounced as 'the horrible burden of time.'___________________________________'Captivating' SUNDAY EXPRESS'Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love' INDEPENDENT'A magical world, barely changed since the golden age of rail' DAILY MAIL'Superb' RAILYWAY MAGAZINE'Memory lane . . . An intriguing social snapshot' HERITAGE RAILWAYTrade ReviewThe author does take us along memory lane , but his description of each route also encapsulates a taste of 21st century Britain gleaned from talking to the people he meets along the way ... an intriguing social snapshot * Heritage Railway *The author's superb narrative, interspersed with dry humour, acute observations and some excellent anecdotes that make you feel you know the lines so well that you want to travel on them ... there are some wonderful bitter-sweet moments emerging from the pages, as the reader is taken on a fascinating series of journeys ... I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a great anytime read and hope the publishers can be persuaded to to commission a second volume * Railway Magazine *A magical world barely changed since the golden age of rail * Daily Mail *Williams manages to meet a range of characters who enliven the book and provide evidence of a Britain that is as forgotten as the lines on which he travels. That is the strength of the book. Williams does not just offer the journey but takes us through the history of each line and importantly meets the people who have campaigned to keep them open or ensure their smooth operation ... -- Christian Wolmar * The Oldie *Deep in our soul, the railways represent an idyll that we love * Independent *

    1 in stock

    £9.49

  • Do Not Alight Here: New Handbook Edition

    Capital Transport Publishing Do Not Alight Here: New Handbook Edition

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £11.09

  • Capital Transport Publishing Design on the Elizabeth Line

    Out of stock

    Book Synopsis

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • The Bridge is Down!: Dramatic Eye-witness

    Mortons Media Group The Bridge is Down!: Dramatic Eye-witness

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £15.29

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