Trains and railways: general interest Books

Book SynopsisAn in-depth account of early railway excursions.

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Book SynopsisFor this second book in the Transport Philately series on public transport issues featured on postage stamps, the author looks at railways around the world on standard gauge tracks that encompasses the majority of the western worlds major railway arteries.

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Book SynopsisThis is a book about the transition from steam to diesel and electric traction on British Railways, covering a period from 1960-1970. The author Jim Blake, took a huge number of pictures during this period, covering all aspects of the railway and its operations, both in the London area, where he lived and also around the country. This book looks at the railway scene in decline, trying to come to terms with the post Beeching, post steam era, before a change of political will, that has seen much rail investment in recent times. The volume, not only looks at locomotives and trains, but also the overall railway scene of that decade of great change the 1960s.

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Book SynopsisWhen British Railways (BR) initiated its Modernisation Plan in 1954 it had little experience of diesel locomotives thus initiated a Pilot Scheme to trial combinations of the three elements comprised within a locomotive the engine, transmission and body. The initial orders for 174 locomotives were placed in November 1955, but even before the first locomotive had been delivered, changes in Government policy led to bulk orders for most designs being trialled. It was only in 1968, once steam traction had been removed from the network, that BR was able to review the success, or otherwise, of its diesel fleet and decide which designs to withdraw from service. The nascent preservation movement of the time was concerned to preserve steam locomotives whilst only buying diesel shunting locomotives for support roles on heritage lines and it wasn t until 1977 that any effort was made to preserve main line diesels. Once it was confirmed that diesel locomotives had an appeal to enthusiasts, further purchases were made that resulted in examples of most of the BR diesel classes being represented within the preservation movement. Fred Kerr s book details those classes which are represented on heritage lines, identifies where possible their location as of December 2016, shows many of them at work and shows what is involved in the restoration, maintenance and operation of diesel locomotives by the volunteers whose efforts are vital but rarely acknowledged. Some of the preserved locomotives were bought for possible use on the national network and this was facilitated by the Railways Bill 1993\. A complementary album of preserved and heritage locomotives titled _Heritage Traction on the Main Line_ details the locomotive classes whose representatives are still in regular use on the national network as at December 2016 and follows a similar format to this album.

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Book SynopsisThe electro-diesel locomotives and multiple units used by the Southern Region of British Railways, were unique to this region. The locomotives of class 73 were used extensively throughout the region, in particular on Gatwick Express services, as well as on departmental and track recording trains. Their versatility in being able to work off 3rd rail electricity as well as diesel engined power gave them unrivalled areas of work. The class 74s, which only had a short life, were seen particularly on boat trains and parcels services on the South Western main line. The classes 201-3 were 6-car units of narrow bodied construction, so as to be able to work Hastings line services with its restricted clearances. The other classes 204-207 were 3-car units employed on stopping services throughout the region, but especially in Hampshire and the lines to Uckfield and originally East Grinstead. They were also seen on services in East Sussex and Kent. This volume shows all the classes at work, in a variety of colour schemes and locations, and has been compiled by David Cable, well known author of a range of books regarding Modern Traction, published by Pen and Sword Books Ltd.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines in words and pictures the huge changes that have taken place in the last 50 years on the British railway network. We see how steam-age infrastructure has gradually given way to a streamlined modern railway. The beginning of the period saw the final stages of the Beeching cuts, with the closure of some rural branches and lesser-used stations. Since the 1980s the tide has turned and numerous lines and stations have joined or rejoined the network. As for freight, we see how the complex operations of the 20th century have been replaced by a far smaller number of specialised terminals, while marshalling yards in the traditional sense have all but disappeared. And the long process of updating our railway signalling has continued apace, even though some semaphore gems have managed to survive into the 21st century.

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Book SynopsisThis book covers in pictures, the history and development of London's main terminal stations, looking at the stations through the lens of photographers from Victorian and Edwardian times through to the modern era. The main terminal stations in London have changed greatly in the last 150 years, this volume seeks through pictures to capture the spirit of those changes, showing the often interesting and colourful history of these great and often beautiful structures, that are an important part of our railway heritage.

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated and fully updated book features 26 of the world's greatest railway journeys, from those of epic scope, such as the Trans-Siberian, Australia's Indian Pacific and The Canadian - to those of great scenic beauty, such as the UK's Settle to Carlisle and Switzerland's Glacier Express. Steam-powered journeys include France's Vivarais Line and the USA's Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. These superlative journeys include the incredibly high (from Puno to Cuzco in Peru), the dramatically steep (the Khyber Pass), and what may well be the most famous, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Luxury cruise trains are well represented, including India's Royal Orient Express, Africa's Blue Train and Spain's Al Andalus - as are more adventurous routes such as Beijing to Hanoi. Each trip is evocatively written up by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic railway travel writer. All the journeys can still be made, and practical information and contact details are given for those who want to undertake the journeys themselves. It includes: Canada - The Canadian: Across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver; United States of America - The Coast Starlight: Los Angeles to Seattle; Denver & Rio Grande - Railroads: Durango & Silverton and Cumbres & Toltec lines; Mexico - The Copper Canyon Railway: El Fuerte to Chihuahua; Peru - Puno to Cuzco; United Kingdom - The Settle & Carlisle; The Royal Scotsman: Edinburgh - Highlands Circuit; France - The Vivarais Line: Along the Rhone Valley from Tournon to Lamastre; Germany - Along The Rhine: Cologne via Mainz Circuit; Switzerland - The Glacier Express: Zermatt to St Moritz; Spain - El Transcantabrico: Across Northern Spain; Al Andalus: Seville - Andalucia Circuit; Norway - The Flam Railway: Myrdal to Flam; Across Europe and Asia - The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express: Venice to London; and, Trans-Mongolian & Siberian Expresses: Beijing to Moscow & Moscow to Vladivostok. It also includes: Pakistan - The Khyber Pass: From Lahore via Peshawar to the Khyber Pass; India - The Darjeeling Himalayan: New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, The Royal Orient Express: Delhi - Rajasthan & Gujarat Tour; Malaysia - The Eastern & Oriental Express: Singapore via Penang to Bangkok; China into Vietnam - Beijing to Hanoi; Australia - The Ghan: Adelaide to Alice Springs; The Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth; New Zealand - The TranzAlpine: Christchurch across the Alps to Greymouth; Africa - Blue Train: Pretoria to Cape Town; and, Pride of Africa: Cape Town to Dar Es Salaam.

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Book SynopsisThe Brighton Atlantic locomotives were some of the most handsome machines ever constructed at Brighton Works. They were signed by the D. Earl Marsh, Locomotive Superintendent of the London Brighton and South Coast Railway, and produced as two classes, the H1, introduced in 1905-1906, and the H2, introduced in 1911-1912. The Brighton Atlantic type has had a following among enthusiasts and model engineers for over a century, with many fine examples of models of these machines being constructed in all scales, both as live steam and electric powered. Great interest is still there today, with many models of these fine locomotives on show at model engineering exhibitions and on smaller scale Brighton or Southern layouts. The Bluebell Railway in East Sussex is currently constructing a full-size replica of the last H2 Atlantic (Beachy Head) in a workshop at Sheffield Park, using some parts from the original locomotive and a rescued Great Northern Atlantic boiler. The project to construct a replica machine has aroused a great deal of public interest in this design of locomotive.At this time there are no books available on the market for anyone who would like to construct a model on, or take an interest in, the replica project on the Bluebell Railway.

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Book SynopsisBritain is a country in love with its railway past. Nowhere else do the workhorses of the age of steam exert such a pull; in no other country is the nostalgia for the days when the railways extended to every corner of the kingdom so strong. However, the history of station buildings and signal boxes, steam and diesel engines, goods and postal services, main lines and branch lines is only part of the story told here. As a cherished part of Britain’s heritage, it is the impact of the railways on a human level that has truly captured our imagination. In more than 50 photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, Paul Atterbury reveals the people who ran, maintained and used them – the people for whom the railways were a way of life.Trade ReviewAn intriguing and nostalgic read both for those interested in the history of railways in Britain, and for those who simply enjoy a trip down memory lane to the magical Age of Steam locomotives. -- Karen Clare * Family Tree Magazine *By choice it took me a long time to work my way through this superb book, engrossed as I was in the real-world stories that sprang to life from each wonderful page, via the excellent contemporary photographs and the well-written text. I recommend this is as a ‘must-read’ for any enthusiast of classic transport (and indeed anyone interested in the social history of Britain). -- Kim Henson * Wheels Alive *Table of ContentsIntroduction Stations and Structures Railway Staff Locomotive Views Maintenance Goods High Days and Holidays The End Picture Credits

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Book SynopsisThis ninth edition of Bradt's USA by Rail guidebook has been fully revised and expanded to take account of changes to Amtrak routes and services, plus the latest Amtrak and VIA Rail pass details, and features over 500 destinations, including Disney World, the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls. With 25 long-distance train journeys across the United States and a further 12 in Canada, plus sightseeing highlights for 38 major cities, accommodation options from cheap to chic and everything you need to find your way around unfamiliar train stations, this book has all the practical information required to make the most of a rail pass. There are maps, route plans and photographs, up-to-date security and immigration information, plus vital tips for sightseeing, local transport and accommodation, as well as chapters on VIA Rail, the Rocky Mountaineer and other trains in Canada. The book also includes a history of North American railroads, current steam train operators, tourist railways and museums, as well as sound advice for the visitor from overseas. Hundreds of Internet contacts make it easy to plan and make reservations for any trip you desire. The grandeur of America's scenery - from its never-ending prairies, the Joshua trees of the Mojave Desert and the saw-toothed peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the pounding surf of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans - is one of the continent's greatest attractions and there is no better way to enjoy it than by train. Written by an expert author who has travelled around 80,000 miles by train in North America in the last 25 years, Bradt's USA by Rail is the essential companion for a successful trip.Trade Review"The best guidebook for the journey." - Sunday Telegraph "An excellent publication. Essential reading." - Today's Railways "An excellent springboard to the many fascinating places to visit in North America. If you are travelling by rail in the States as a holiday, then this book is well worth its price." - Rail Magazine "If you travel in the US (or Canada) by train, you'll find all you need here." - The Daily Telegraph "From Boston to Washington, Chicago to Sacramento, New York to Miami and just about everywhere in between, the perfect train schedule is in this informative book. So pick it up and hop on board." - Footloose 'USA by Rail is a useful companion.' The Sunday TelegraphTable of ContentsIntroduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 From Horsepower to Amtrak The Iron Horse, The golden age, The 20th century, Amtrak trains today Chapter 2 Train Practicalities Amtrak facilities and services, Non-Amtrak services Chapter 3 Practical Information When to visit, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Money, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays, Sightseeing, Student card, Time zones, Media and communications, Working PART TWO TRAINS AND ROUTES IN THE UNITED STATES Chapter 4 The Coast Starlight Seattle-Los Angeles Chapter 5 The California Zephyr Chicago-Emeryville (for San Francisco) Chapter 6 The San Joaquin San Francisco-Bakersfield (via Emeryville/Oakland) Chapter 7 The Pacific Surfliner Los Angeles-San Diego Chapter 8 The Empire Builder Chicago-Seattle Chapter 9 The Empire Builder Spokane-Portland Chapter 10 The Southwest Chief Chicago-Los Angeles Chapter 11 The Sunset Limited New Orleans-Los Angeles Chapter 12 The Texas Eagle Chicago-San Antonio (for Los Angeles) Chapter 13 The City of New Orleans Chicago-New Orleans Chapter 14 The Northeast Corridor Boston-Washington, DC Chapter 15 The Northeast Corridor New Haven-Springfield (for Boston) Chapter 16 The Crescent New York-New Orleans Chapter 17 The Silver Star New York-Miami Chapter 18 The Silver Meteor New York-Miami Chapter 19 The Northeast Corridor Boston-Newport News Chapter 20 The Cardinal New York-Chicago Chapter 21 The Adirondack New York-Montreal Chapter 22 The Vermonter Washington, DC-St Albans (for Montreal) Chapter 23 The Lake Shore Limited Boston/New York-Chicago Chapter 24 The Capitol Limited Washington, DC-Chicago Chapter 25 The Pennsylvanian New York-Pittsburgh Chapter 26 The Maple Leaf New York-Toronto Chapter 27 The Wolverine Chicago-Pontiac Chapter 28 Other Amtrak Trains General information 327, The trains Chapter 29 US Steam Today Trains, routes and museums PART THREE ON CANADIAN RAILS Chapter 30 Canada's Trains Today VIA Rail, Arranging your trip, The routes, Steam trains in Canada Appendix 1 Useful Addresses Appendix 2 Ticketing Agents Appendix 3 Further Information Index

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Book Synopsis'Fascinating' 'Books of the Year', Financial Times'London's twelve great rail termini are the epic survivors of the Victorian age... Wolmar brings them to life with the knowledge of an expert and the panache of a connoisseur.' Simon Jenkins'A wonderful tour, full of vivid incident and surprising detail.' Simon BradleyLondon hosts twelve major railway stations, more than any other city in the world. They range from the grand and palatial, such as King's Cross and Paddington, to the modest and lesser known, such as Fenchurch Street and Cannon Street. These monuments to the age of the train are the hub of London's transport system and their development, decline and recent renewal have determined the history of the capital in many ways.Built between 1836 and 1899 by competing private train companies seeking to outdo one another, the construction of these terminuses caused tremendous upheaval and had a widespread impact on their local surroundings. What were once called 'slums' were demolished, green spaces and cemeteries were concreted over, and vast marshalling yards, engine sheds and carriage depots sprung up in their place.In a compelling and dramatic narrative, Christian Wolmar traces the development of these magnificent cathedrals of steam, provides unique insights into their history, with many entertaining anecdotes, and celebrates the recent transformation of several of these stations into wonderful blends of the old and the new.Trade ReviewWolmar's history will delight train spotters but is also fascinating for the passengers who often pass through these great transport temples without a second thought. * 'Books of the Year', Financial Times *Lively... Wolmar builds a compelling narrative that celebrates these industrial wonders - and teases at how much better spent some of that Victorian money might have been. * The Times *London's twelve great rail termini are the epic survivors of the Victorian age. They are the cathedrals of transportation. Wolmar brings them to life with the knowledge of an expert and the panache of a connoisseur. His words render them indestructible. -- Simon JenkinsA wonderful tour, full of vivid incident and surprising detail. Station by station, it also adds up to a portrait of London through the railway age and into our own time. -- Simon BradleyWolmar compellingly describes how engineers and architects creating terminus stations harked back to classical or Gothic styles. But, with the advantage of iron and glass, they could erect giant structures in months not centuries, whose scale justified the description "cathedrals of steam". -- Michael PortilloEvery London commuter should read this book... Fascinating histories abound from Queen Victoria's specially arranged signals to the driver to slow down on the way from Slough to Paddington, to Thomas Hardy's job of excavating graves to make way for tracks at St Pancras. -- Tom ChesshyreIn this delightful homage to the capital's mighty icons of the railway age Wolmar is a worthy successor to Betjeman. -- Michael WilliamsA terrific book for anyone interested, not just in London's stations, but in the development of the railway since the capital's first terminus, London Bridge, opened in 1836. * ASLEF Journal *Excellent... In a skilful fusion of practicalities and aesthetics, the author captures the essence of our experience of grand stations and also reminds us to look when we pass through or, more commonly, linger impatiently while we wait for our train's platform to be called. * New Criterion *A fascinating story of Victorian capitalist free-for-all and competition behind the development of mainline stations. * Camden New Journal *London's railway termini are a monument to Victorian taste and ingenuity, now revived and re-imagined for the 21st century. Christian Wolmar's Cathedrals of Steam is their story and London's, vividly and intimately intertwined.' * Country & Town House *Table of Contents1: Starting slowly 2: The railway in the sky 3: The first cathedrals 4: A modicum of order 5: Breaching the City walls 6: Upstaging King's Cross - or not? 7: Southern invasion 8: The three sisters 9: The workers' station 10: A terminus too far 11: London's unique dozen 12: Settling down and dodging the bombs 13: Round London with Sir John Betjeman

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Book SynopsisAs the world speeds up, as technology takes over, it is worth remembering how we used to live. This three-book series is a nostalgic hymn to an era when life was slower: a meandering ramble through the British countryside by bicycle, automobile and train. Take an amble across the countryside with this book, which celebrates a time when our railway network was more than a permanently delayed omnishambles of overcrowded and overpriced trains. Country stations and lonely halts, milk churns and coal yards, enamelled signs and platform clocks - these are the fragments of a more leisured age, from a time when the local station was a well-loved institution at the heart of so many communities. Here are gas-lit rural stations, oil lamps on level crossing gates, enamelled signs, waiting room fires, timetables and luggage labels. Less a clattering, steamy ride into the past than a touchstone for joyous memories of such a vital and well-loved institution, The Slow Train harks back to a more measured, considered era.

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Book SynopsisThe twelve British Railways Standard Locomotive Classes were all constructed incorporating Belpaire fireboxes, rocking grates, self-emptying ash pans and self-cleaning smoke boxes to allow easy access for both daily maintenance and running needs. The first to enter service during January 1951 from Crewe Works was Class 7 4-6-2 No. 70000 Britannia, with the last coming out of Swindon Works in March 1960, a Class 9 2-10-0 No. 92220 suitably named Evening Star.Working for British Railways in Derby, Ron Buckley was fortunate to be able to witness and photograph the many Standard locomotives that were constructed in or passed through Derby works for repair and maintenance. British Railway Standard Steam Locomotives is a compilation of some of the best images from this time, as well as from his many travels with enthusiast groups throughout the country.

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Book SynopsisPaddington is part of a hub of underground stations and is home to the world's most famous bear, named after the station. Revel in the selection of images of Paddington Through Time and see how Brunel's masterpiece has stood the test of time. 'I am going to design, in a great hurry, and I believe to build, a station after my own fancy,' stated Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1851. That station, the second to bear the name 'Paddington', was to be another Brunel masterpiece. His delight at the prospect of building a replacement and permanent station at Paddington is self-evident. The new station was to be built on the plot of land just south of the Bishop's Road Bridge, defined by Eastbourne Terrace and Praed Street on two sides, and by London Street and the canal on the northeast side. Because the new station would be located almost entirely within a cutting, there would be no grand exterior, and instead, Brunel impressed with his immense roof of iron and glass. Paddington is currently in the middle of a huge redevelopment that has seen it retain much of its nineteenth-century design, but updated to suit traffic flows of today. Millions pass through the station weekly, both to the West and Wales and to Heathrow on the Heathrow Express.

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Book SynopsisThe first true dining car in the USA was Pullman''s ''Delmonico'' of 1868 and the concept arrived in Britain 125 years ago in the shape of the Great Northern Railway''s '' Prince of Wales'' of 1879. Thus was born the unique and magical experience of '' dining at speed'' - enjoying a meal served at one''s seat while an ever - changing landscape unfolds beyond the window.

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Book SynopsisLooks at the remainder of the many branch lines of the Taff Vale system, including those to Penarth, Cadoxton, Ynysbwl, Llancaiach, Pont Shon Norton, Llantrisant, Treferig, Cowbridge and Aberthaw, and private sidings.

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