Search results for ""Key Publishing Ltd""
Key Publishing Ltd Yorkshire Dales Buses: West Yorkshire Road Car Company in Wharfedale: The 1950s to 1970s
The West Yorkshire Road Car Company's routes from Skipton and Ilkley up into Wharfedale, Wensleydale and Swaledale are some of the most scenic in Great Britain, and they are captured in this volume of historic bus photographs, taken from the 1950s to the 1970s by some of the finest photographers in their field. Using his first-hand knowledge of West Yorkshire's network, Stuart Emmett takes the reader on a journey in Upper Wharfedale, passing by countless sheep farms along the grass-patched limestone river valleys as he goes from hamlets and small villages like Grassington to market towns like Skipton and Otley, and the spa town of Ilkley. The enduring Yorkshire landscape, which has been used for many films and TV programmes, such as Calendar Girls, All Creatures Great and Small and Emmerdale, complements the little-changed street scenes and villages to give a fascinating backdrop to this captivating collection of more than 170 photographs, many of which are previously unpublished or have rarely been seen in print.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Hawker Typhoon: The RAF's Ground-Breaking Fighter-Bomber
Although first designed as a fighter, during the fighting in and over Europe during 1944 and 1945 the Hawker Typhoon gained a tremendous reputation and true fame as a ground-attack aircraft and tank-buster. This was a remarkable achievement because, during its development and early career, the Typhoon had experienced severe problems with its Napier Sabre engine and catastrophic failures of its airframe. The Typhoon's offensive ground-attack work is well known, but that tends to overshadow the type's successes operating from 1942 as a true fighter based in the UK. Nevertheless, during the final year of World War Two, following the D-Day landings in June 1944, the Typhoon performed a crucial role in the European theatre. After May 1945 it disappeared from RAF squadrons very quickly, so to leave such a record of success over such a short time is nothing short of outstanding! It was not a world-beater, but the Typhoon was perfect for the job that was required of it. Many books that document the Typhoon cover it in conjunction with its successor, the Hawker Tempest. However, this work, fully illustrated with over 180 photographs, gives this heavyweight machine a well-deserved volume of its own.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Railways of the South East: Kent
The second of two volumes covering the railways of the South East, this book focuses on Kent. It details a wide range of different trains including heavy aggregate, inter-regional passenger, test trains, the Orient Express, newspaper and mail trains, railtour excursions, engineers' trains, weed killers and intermodal, steel, coal and nuclear flask traffic. An extensive range of locomotive classes in different liveries, many now consigned to history, are shown at work on main lines and branch lines in the 'Garden of England'. Over 180 colour photographs, the vast majority of which have never been published before, serve to illustrate the variety found in a corner of the country often regarded as a mainly multiple unit commuter carrying environment. The pictures are complemented by informative captions detailing each particular train and its working along with some of the infrastructure found along the routes covered. 180 colour photographs
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Boeing 707: Boeing's First Jetliner
The first widely used commercial jet, the Boeing 707 brought America into the 'Jet Age' of the late 1950s and created the template for worldwide air travel today. The 707 first flew on December 20, 1957, and less than a year later it made its first commercial flight from New York to Paris. Initially flown mainly by Pan American, the Boeing 707 was soon operated by both domestic and international airlines around the world, and the popularity of the aircraft led to increased development of air-traffic-control systems, airport terminals, runways and airport infrastructure. The 707 remained in production until late 1978, by which time it was too small to handle the increased passenger densities on many routes, and it was retired to make way for more-modern jetliner types. By the end of production, a total of 1,010 aircraft had been built for civil use, though many of these subsequently found their way into military service, and purpose-built military variants remained in production until 1991. This book provides a fascinating portfolio of images depicting a wide range of Boeing 707 variants in service around the world, in passenger, cargo and military use. Like the aircraft itself, the photographs, taken at airports in North, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, span the world, showcasing many of the aircraft's diverse and colourful liveries. 180 illustrations
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd HSTs: The Western Region
Although in the late 1970s they were frowned upon by many for replacing a number of loco-hauled services, and indeed locomotives, for 40 years the High-Speed Train (HST) was the mainstay of express services for many train operators in the UK. It was in the former Western Region of British Rail that they first made their mark in service, and they were on duty there from their earliest days until 2019 when, after years of sterling work, they were withdrawn from frontline express duties. Illustrated with over 190 colour photographs, this book looks at the history of many of the power cars that worked in the region and details the varied Western Region locations, some off the beaten track, where they could be seen operating during their four decades of service. 190 colour photographs
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd British Multiple Units
Multiple units are the unsung heroes of the modern railway system. Although they make up the main form of rolling stock for the majority of rail passenger services operated worldwide, particularly in high-density inner-city and urban traffic, they see much less media coverage than the more popular locomotive types. The many advantages of these units, as opposed to locomotive-hauled trains, include higher capacity, less track damage and lower operating costs, making them an ever more popular choice for modern, cost-conscious railway operators in Great Britain and around the world. Illustrated with more than 180 photographs, this book details the history of the major unit types that have operated on the UK's rail network, beginning with the earliest Victorian-era steam railcars and the first late-Victorian experiments with electric-powered traction, and going right up to the modern hybrid-powered multiple units currently under development. The story is told through a selection of photographs, class details and tables listing the major unit types classified by propulsion method and generation. 180 illustrations
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Scottish Railways: The Last 15 Years
The last 15 years have seen many changes in Scotland's rail network, including the replacement of old rolling stock, an explosion of colourful liveries, the opening of routes, the demise of coal trains and a boom in container freight traffic. Furthermore, electrification has changed a number of the lines beyond recognition. These changes have led to new electric units ousting the diesels and the introduction of HSTs on services between the Scottish cities. Illustrated with over 180 images, this book details the huge variety of trains, ranging from the everyday to the unusual, that have been seen on Scotland's rails in the last 15 years.
£13.49
Key Publishing Ltd Cornish Rail: St Austell to Penzance
This book follows the railway through the eye-catching scenery of the west of the county. Over 180 stunning full-colour photographs take the reader on a journey that starts in St Austell, against the backdrop of the clay workings, before moving on through the rich, arable farmland that surrounds the line on the way to the capital city, Truro. West of Truro, the landscape is littered with former mine workings and signs of its rich industrial heritage. The scenery then changes as the line continues on past the busy fruit farms west of Camborne and proceeds on to Hayle. Once across Hayle's unique viaduct, it runs through St Erth before passing St Michael's Mount, skirting Mounts Bay and finishing at the terminus of Penzance. Also explored are the existing branches that are still running, including the Burngullow to Parkandillack line, the only freight-only branch still running, and the passenger branch lines of Truro to Falmouth and St Erth to St Ives. Nostalgically, the Hayle Wharves branch has been included and is the only line in the volume that no longer exists. 180 illustrations
£13.49
Key Publishing Ltd Travis Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base, situated in Fairfield, California, is the 'Gateway to the Pacific', handling more cargo and passengers than any other American military air terminal, and is the transportation hub for the West Coast. Flying the KC-10 Extender, C-17 Globemaster III, and the C-5 Galaxy, Travis can handle any airlift mission for the United States Air Force, and its airmen have distinguished themselves in military operations at home and around the world, including the recent humanitarian evacuation from Kabul. The logistical capabilities at Travis help maintain America's military might by supplying people and parts to the right places at the right time. With over 150 images, most of which have never been published before, this book documents the aircraft, the technology, the airmen, and the behind-the-scenes operations at Travis.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Class 56 and 58
This book looks at the Class 56 and Class 58 locomotives and their service around the UK.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd Seattle Stratotanker Veterans: Boeing KC-135 Variants
This book focuses on the KC-135 tanker built by Boeing. It will look at every model of the KC-135 built and its introduction into service. There are several other specialised types that performed a non-aerial refuelling task, such as Airborne Command Post, but which retained the KC-135A designation for some years. The ground trainers will also be covered in this book. With over 170 images, this book is the first of two volumes dealing with Seattle's veteran Stratotankers.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Swordfish
The Fairey Swordfish story is one of an aircraft initially frowned upon when it entered service in 1936, respected by the beginning of World War Two and deemed legendary by the time peace was declared. The Swordfish was the only torpedo bomber Britain had in significant numbers at the beginning of the war and it would prove to be so much more. Designed with one role in mind, the Swordfish evolved into one of the most versatile of naval aircraft. Its slow speed, which was criticised from the outset, proved to be one of its strengths, especially when it came to anti-submarine work. Affectionately nicknamed the Stringbag', the aircraft achieved an outstanding war record beginning with operations in Norway. The attack on the Italian harbour at Taranto that crippled the Italian Navy displayed what the aircraft was capable of and that it was clearly not be underestimated. The Swordfish also played an important role in the invasion of Madagascar, which kept the Japanese at bay early on in the war. The bravery displayed by the aircrew during the attacks on the Bismarck is legendary, while equal, but fruitless, courage was exhibited during the ill-fated Channel Dash. The latter incident, in particular, not only says a lot about the aircraft, but also about the crews. They were under no illusion, being aware that the Swordfish was not the best aircraft they could have gone to war in, but they would fight in it to the death nevertheless. Regardless, it outlived its operational replacement, the Albacore, by some years, mainly because the Swordfish was more suited to escort carrier and Mac-ship operations, a duty it carried out to the bitter end, protecting convoys far and wide. A new book edition of Aeroplane Icons: Swordfish, this book explores the history, creation, development and service of the Swordfish.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd De Havilland Comet
In the latter half of World War Two, the War Cabinet sanctioned the formation of a committee to consider a post-war world of air transport. Appointed to chair the group, which included politicians, engineers, businessmen and aircraft builders, was John Theodore Cuthbert Moore-Brabazon (later Lord Brabazon of Tara). This was an inspired choice, as Brabazon was the first man in Britain to hold a Private Pilot's Licence. He had advocated and promoted aviation in Britain from the earliest days. The Brabazon Committee also had the foresight to embrace an emerging method of propulsion: gas-turbine or jet engine technology. They, rightly, placed piston-engines - which were quite advanced at the time - at the forefront but made a case for the gas-turbine. This enabled Geoffrey de Havilland and Ronald Bishop to begin building a pure-jet airliner to be powered by engines designed by Frank Halford. A very brave move from de Havilland and one that gave Britain the lead over the rest of the world. The de Havilland DH 106 Comet aircraft made history as the first jet airliner to fly and also as the first to off er a scheduled jet passenger service. Even though more than sixty years have elapsed since that first flight, the story of the Comet continues to excite and inspire.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Preserved Aircraft of the World: US and Canada
Preserved aircraft can be found around the world, showcasing paint schemes and names that may have been lost to history otherwise. Focusing on the US and Canada, this book looks at a mix of new and old aircraft - fast jets, bombers, warbirds, airliners, helicopters and vintage light aircraft. With over 180 images, the aircraft, their history and current locations are all detailed. This book contains a wide range of aircraft, whether they are a common preserved type or the last of their kind.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Fairey 1915-60
One of the many ingredients required for creating a great aircraft company is the ability to diversify, and this was just one of the strengths that would keep the Fairey Aviation Company in business from 1915 through to 1960. Like so many other aircraft manufacturers of the day, it found its feet by taking on sub-contract work, and, while this was being carried out, it began to build on its own aircraft portfolio. Fairey did not just sit back and produce aircraft in line with specifications, they designed new features that would be incorporated in all aircraft in the future. The company's greatest, and most surprising, success story came about when the ubiquitous Swordfish, affectionately known as the Stringbag' entered production in 1936. The company's venture into rotary wing aircraft would eventually become its undoing, despite huge technical achievements being achieved in a very short space of time. Soaked up by Westlands in 1960, the legacy of the company's final aircraft, the Rotodyne, still lives on today, and only now, in the 21st Century, is the world really ready for such a fantastic machine. This book explores the fascinating history of the company and the aircraft it produced.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Class 159s
In the early 1990s, the Waterloo to Exeter route was suffering many delays and problems due to the increasingly unreliable diesel locos being used at the time. It was therefore decided that new trains were the best option. At the time, there was an existing order for Class 158 units already being constructed and it was decided to modify the last 22 of these as Class 159s, specifically for use on western England services. The first of these units started work on the line during May 1993 and gradually replaced all the remaining locos and stock. Later, it was becoming obvious that the initial 22 units were no longer sufficient for the increasing number of travellers, so a further eight Class 158s made redundant in the north of England were modified as Class 159/1s and entered service in the mid-2000s. While their service continues to be good, as they are approaching 30 years old, the time is approaching for replacement.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd Railways of Southern California
Passing through some of the most picturesque scenery in the world, several main routes traverse Southern California. Most are freight corridors, but there are a handful of long-distance passenger services, primarily worked by Amtrak. Some of the long-distance and heavy freight services can be powered by up to ten locomotives, equating to around 50,000hp. One of the most scenic routes is on the Union Pacific-owned track between Mojave and Bakersfield, which climbs over the Tehachapi Mountains, reaching a height of over 4,000ft above sea level, requiring locos to work hard on the climb either side of the line's summit. The route over Cajon, one of the busiest freight routes in the world, is also covered, as well as the routes between Barstow and Needles, the central California line, and the highly photogenic Pacific Surfliner route between Los Angeles and San Diego. Lavishly illustrated with 200 images, this book is divided into the main routes in the area, showing the diversity in scenery and train types found. With informative captions explaining the locos, their routes, and the best places for rail enthusiasts to see these trains for themselves, this is the ultimate guide to the railways of Southern California.
£27.00
Key Publishing Ltd Vickers 1911-77
It seems incredible that a mere 33 years separates the maiden flights of the Barnes Wallis-designed R.100 airship from the beautiful VC10 airliner. It is also remarkable that, in 2013, the latter is still in service, albeit in dwindling numbers, but still representing a company that was formed 102 years ago! Although the VC10 was prefixed with BAC by the time of its entry into service, the aircraft represents the rapid rise of Vickers, which actually embarked on its first aeronautical project in 1908, before establishing an official aviation department in 1911. Vickers produced over 70 different types of aircraft during a 49-year period, not including a host of sub-variants, the Wellington, for example, having 19 alone. Not all were successful, but every one contributed, however small, another nugget of experience, which was either ploughed into the next aircraft or stored away for the future. An ability to think outside the box', was another of Vickers' fortes. A good example of this was not only employing Barnes Wallis, but having such faith in his ideas, which must have seemed quite radical at the time, especially his perseverance and ultimate success with geodetic construction. Wallis had no shortage of critics and many dyed in the wool' employees of Vickers, during the early days, left the company because of his ideas. However, history has shown us that he was right about geodetics, and like Hawker with its Hurricane and Supermarine with its Spitfire, only God knows what the RAF would have done without the Wellington at the beginning of the Second World War. This book gives readers an insight into the aircraft produced by Vickers, as well as a history of the aircraft company itself.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd P-51 Mustang Warbirds
This fascinating story begins with post-World War Two sales of surplus Mustangs to various foreign governments and a few civilian customers. More than a decade later, in 1957 and 1958, the US Air Force auctioned off its remaining inventory of P-51s. These Mustangs became high-speed executive transports in the days before the introduction of the LearJet and other corporate aircraft. Soon after, in the mid-1960s and early 1970s, as the warbird movement was gaining traction, many of the remaining Mustangs came onto the civilian market. Today, these warbirds are the stars of airshows around the world. The effort to restore them to as close to their original wartime condition as possible has reached new levels of authenticity. With over 140 images, accompanied by service histories, this book shows the fighters where they should be seen - in the air.
£16.19
Key Publishing Ltd Royal Navy and Army Helicopters of the 1970s and '80s
Focusing on the helicopters used specifically by the Royal Navy and British Army, this book looks at the Lynx, Sea King, Wasp Scout, Wessex, Whirlwind and some minor types. With over 180 black and white and colour photographs, this book, the sixth in a series covering British combat aircraft of the 1970s and '80s, showcases the helicopters used by the Royal Navy and Army and their part in the latter stages of the Cold War.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd Airliners of the 2000s
All decades of aviation have important developments and changes. In the 2000s, the European Airbus consortium finally overtook Boeing as the major producer of airliners, with a full range from the smallest, the A318, to the largest of all passenger aircraft, the A380. It saw the early jets either disappear or get converted to haul freight. The old piston-powered props still served in remote parts of the world but in declining numbers. On a sad note, the 2000s saw the final Concorde services, bringing to an end the era of supersonic passenger flights for perhaps many years to come. With over 300 colour photographs with extended and informative captions, this book details the many facets of commercial air transport around the world, from the smallest to the largest airlines.
£16.19
Key Publishing Ltd Railways in Northern Lincolnshire: Four Decades of Change
Set against the contrasting rural and industrial scenery of northern Lincolnshire, this book illustrates the area's fascinating passenger and freight trains, railway infrastructure, stations and signalling over a 40-year period. Taking the reader on a journey from west to east through the area, it shows many of the locations on the railway and the variety of locomotives and multiple units that have appeared in the area from 1979 to the present day. This book contains over 180 historic photographs, the majority of which have never been published before, each accompanied by an extensive caption. Together they form a comprehensive historic record of the trains in northern Lincolnshire, including many of the changes that have taken place in the railways of the area. They illustrate how passenger and freight services have grown or declined and how the infrastructure of the railways has evolved through a period of 40 years to meet the needs of the modern railway era.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd RAF Transport Aircraft
From their modest origins with BE.2c and Vickers Victoria biplanes delivering food and ammunition in the Mesopotamian deserts to the massive Globemasters delivering hardware in the same theatre a century later, transport aircraft have played a key role in Britain's wars. It was the Cold War that saw transport aircraft become necessary war-fighting equipment. Operation Corporate in 1982 identified the need for large-capacity strategic transport aircraft, something reinforced by Operation Granby in 1990-91, and led to the acquisition of the Lockheed TriStar and Boeing C-17A Globemaster. When the operations in Afghanistan and Iraq began, the RAF's transport fleet was ready, and with the new model Hercules, and the Airbus Voyager and Atlas, Britain's armed forces have a transport force second to none. First in, last out' is a concise description of the operations of the RAF's transport force. Since 1915, aircraft have supported troops on the ground, carried personnel to and from war zones, evacuated civilians and provided succour to the needy. RAF Transport Command's motto, Ferio Ferendo, translates as I strike by carrying', and that is exactly what transport aircraft have done for over a century. With over 130 photographs, this book describes the evolution of the aircraft that provided the airlift capacity for Britain's armed forces wherever they served, and as the 2021 Operation Pitting showed, transport aircraft are still last out.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Class 442s: The Wessex Electrics
First introduced in the late 1980s, the Class 442s were like nothing that had been seen before in terms of Southern Region electric multiple units. These stylish and sleek trains were the first electric multiple units capable of reaching 100mph, and after many years travelling on the old Southern slam-door stock, mostly in vehicles that dated back to the steam era, the public's experience of riding in one of the 442s must have been incredible. The class served with several operators, including South West Trains, Southern and South Western Railway. With the advent of COVID-19 and the cutbacks to rail services across the country, after 35 years of service, the Class 442s found themselves on the chopping block. This book is a pictorial tribute of more than 200 images to what was, by far and away, the best electric unit ever to have worked on the Southern Region electrified lines.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Low-Floor Double-Deckers
In just under 25 years, double-deck buses in the UK have undergone a transformation. Every double-decker in normal service in the UK today is a low-floor bus offering easy access to everyone. This book traces the story of the UK's low-floor double-deckers, from the first tentative steps to the widespread adoption of this layout and the moves from diesel buses to diesel-electric hybrids, to gas, electric and even hydrogen buses built for bus companies of all sizes. It covers the London operators that initially drove the low-floor revolution, along with the major groups, the remaining local authority fleets and a range of enterprising independents that operate them. Where once every double-decker for service in the UK was built in the UK, today many chassis come from mainland Europe and, increasingly, from manufacturers based in other and more distant parts of the world - and UK builders have gained an important foothold in Europe, North America, and the Far East as well. The story is told for the first time, on a model-by-model basis, supported by many unseen colour images, which show the buses in use throughout the UK.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd British Ground-Attack Aircraft of the 1970s and 80s
The Soci t Europ enne de Production de l'avion cole de Combat et d'Appui Tactique (SEPECAT) Jaguar and Hawker Siddeley Harrier played critical ground-attack and tactical reconnaissance roles, including in the latter stages of the Cold War. The Jaguar came into service with the RAF in 1974 and flew with eight operational squadrons and an Operational Conversion Unit before finally being retired in 2007. The unique Harrier entered service with the RAF in 1969.It flew operationally with four squadrons, as well as being deployed in Belize and the Falkland Islands and with an Operational Conversion Unit. The second-generation Harrier was prematurely retired in 2011. With over 180 photographs, both black and white and colour, this book, the third in a series on British combat aircraft of the 1970s and '80s, is an essential addition to the libraries of those who flew or worked on these aircraft, aviation historians and enthusiasts, and modellers alike.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Czech and Slovak Railways
The Czech Republic and Slovakia emerged as independent countries in 1993, as joint successors of the former Czechoslovakia. Having once been a single country, with a single national railway operator, the change was significant, although both countries, and their railways, still have a lot in common. Loco types have changed through modernization and rebuilding, and both countries have retained very different narrow-gauge systems that are still in daily operation. Both countries have invested in modern fleets, and rail freight has boomed thanks to globalisation and EU membership, resulting in a wide variety of trains. Spanning three decades, this book explores the history of both countries and their railways, and features over 140 pictures, most of which have never been published before. The book concludes by looking at the ambitious plans for new high-speed networks, connecting both countries, and most of their neighbours by the late 2030s.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Class 60s
The Class 60 was the last truly British-built diesel locomotive design. From 1990, the locomotive was gradually delivered, with 100 in total going to the Railfreight sectors of Metal, Coal, Construction and Petroleum. Their introduction did not go smoothly, however, and they took almost three years to enter service due to various teething troubles. Once these were ironed out, the class became reasonably reliable, and examples of other classes that were getting very tired at the time were progressively withdrawn. Privatisation saw all the class being sold on to English, Welsh & Scottish Railways and, in 2004, the first Class 60 was withdrawn. Towards the end of the 2000s, almost all of the locos were put into store with a seemingly very bleak future. However, in the early 2010s, a small fleet of the locos received a thorough rebuilding so they could haul DB Schenker's heaviest trains, and eventually 21 locos were refurbished for them, another ten for Colas Rail and a further four for Devon & Cornwall Railways. This has meant that although the majority of the class is still presently rusting away and unlikely to run again, at least a number of examples will still be visible on the national network for a few more years to come. Illustrated with over 190 photographs, this volume looks at the Class 60s from their early days through to the end of the 2010s.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Air Traffic Control in the UK
The primary purpose of Air Traffic Control worldwide is to prevent collisions, organise and expedite the flow of air traffic, and provide information and other support for pilots. While we as passengers may not see them, ATC staff are an integral part of our travel experience and safety. This book provides a unique look at the inner workings of ATC in the UK, and sheds light on those who often operate unseen.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd Class 47s: The Jack of All Trades
Class 47s have now been part of the UK railway system for over 60 years. They have been used on every type of train over the years, including front line passenger, freight and charter trains. During the late 1980s and through the following 20 years, however, many locos were steadily withdrawn from service with their former duties being taken over by newer fixed formation electric and diesel units. However, due to their versatility and almost a go anywhere' capability, many of the newer operating companies that appeared during this period saw the potential in further use for them. Although the vast majority have long since been scrapped, there is still a good amount of examples that can been seen at work throughout the UK. This book shows the duties the class has worked from around the mid-1980s through to the present time.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd RAF Helicopters of the 70s and 80s
This is the fifth book in the series of photographs of British combat aircraft of the 1970s and 1980s and covers the RAF helicopters in service during those two decades and their part in the latter stages of the Cold War. The Westland Whirlwind was used in the air-sea rescue (ASR) role before being replaced by the Westland Sea King, both aircraft being prominent around the British coastline with their bright yellow colouring. The Westland Wessex was used by the RAF in a variety of roles including search and rescue. The A rospatiale Puma was introduced to service with the RAF in 1968 and is still being flown today while the Boeing Chinook came into service in 1981, just in time to take part in the Falklands War, and is still in service today. Containing 180 photographs, this book is a pictorial compendium of these iconic machines.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Rail Freight: Scotland
In the early 1980s, Ravenscraig steel works was the biggest source of rail freight north of the border, handling iron ore, coal, lime and scrap, as well as semi-finished and finished products. Opencast coal was thriving and would even lead to some lines re-opening later in the decade. Wagonload freight was still providing a service on some rural lines, not least the Far North line where many intermediate stations still handled general freight, such as seed potatoes and fertiliser. Today, Ravenscraig is a distant memory and coal is no longer carried by rail anywhere in Scotland. Wagonload freight has also disappeared, despite some attempts to revive the concept in the early 2000s. However, in a few areas, rail freight has done well. The cement works at Oxwellmains is a big user of rail and Grangemouth refinery still produces three trainload flows. Intermodal traffic has grown substantially, with several regular Anglo-Scottish flows on the West and East Coast main lines as well as internal movements to Aberdeen and Inverness. Illustrated with over 160 photographs, many of which are previously unpublished, this volume looks at the changing face of rail freight in Scotland. It details the changes in traction, rolling stock and railway infrastructure over four decades.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd British Bombers: The 1970s and '80s
The mainstays of the RAF's bomber force in the 1970s and '80s were the distinctive Avro Vulcan and the slightly less well-known Blackburn Buccaneer. The Buccaneer came into service in 1962 and flew with just five RAF and six RN squadrons before being retired in 1994. The Vulcan came into service in 1956 and was retired after the Falklands War in 1982, having flown operationally with nine RAF squadron. Illustrated with 180 photographs, this book details the much-loved Buccaneer and Vulcan and the part they played in the latter stages of the Cold War. AUTHOR: Having retired from the RAF with the rank of Wing Commander, Chris Goss is a regular and highly respected contributor to major aviation publications in the UK, France and Germany. 180 illustrations
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Daimler Coaches in Colour
The Daimler Company was one of the oldest established builders of PSV chassis in the United Kingdom and enjoyed a reputation for quality and innovation, particularly with the fluid flywheel. From the earliest charabancs on solid tires, through the half-cab front-engined CVD6 and underfloor-engined Freelines to the rear-engined Roadliner, Daimler continued to prove their reputation was well earned. Ownership of the company changed several times over the years, until they were finally absorbed into the British Leyland empire, sealing their fate and eventual demise. With over 100 color images, this title provides insight into the history of Daimler throughout the years.
£16.19
Key Publishing Ltd US Department of Homeland Security Aviation
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in response to terrorist attacks that were carried out against the United States on September 11, 2001. Its agencies were tasked with analyzing threats and intelligence, guarding borders and airports, protecting critical infrastructure, and coordinating the nation's response to future emergencies. The Department's aviation assets comprise those of the US Coast Guard and the US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (AMO). Today the DHS is responsible for over 200 aircraft operated by the world's largest Coast Guard, and around 240 are flown by the AMO, which is the world's largest aviation and maritime law enforcement organization. Since the creation of the DHS much work has been done within both organizations to integrate, consolidate, and update their varied fleets of fixed wing, rotary wing and remotely piloted unmanned aircraft. This title is fully illustrated with over 120 color photographs and provides insight into the department's creation and the history, aircraft, and operations of the Coast Guard and AMO.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Garuda Indonesia
On January 26, 1949, Garuda Indonesia was officially established as Indonesia's government-owned flag carrier. To begin with, the airline focused on domestic and regional travel. However, in 1962, the Dutch-occupied island of Dutch New Guinea was added to the Indonesian territory and Garuda faced the huge challenge of starting up flights to the very remote and isolated settlements of Irian Jaya. Fortunately, the airline had the assistance of another Indonesian government-owned airline, Merpati, which would later become a feeder and subsidiary of Garuda.In the mid-1980s, a massive reorganisation led to Garuda offering international flights, which required the modernisation of the entire fleet. The late '90s saw a new management having to cope with the disastrous effects of the Asian financial crisis closely followed by the deregulation of the aviation industry in 2000, which greatly increased competition in the domestic market. Over subsequent years, Garuda has faced many more challenges, from the effects of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the Bali bombings to the 2003 SARS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite these setbacks, it has successfully transitioned from a small domestic carrier to a player on the international stage. This fully illustrated volume looks at Garuda's turbulent history from its involvement in Indonesia's postwar struggle for independence to operations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. 120 colour photographs
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd US Naval Air Power: West Coast 2010-20
The United States Naval Aviation service celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2011 and since then it has continued to be at the forefront of military aviation developments. The past ten years have been significant for continuous improvement, development, and efficiency. In that time, the service has dealt with highlights and various challenges, such as a sequestration in 2013, the resulting reduction in combat readiness, and aircraft manufacturing delays. Focusing on the squadrons of the US Navy and Marine Corps, and illustrated with over 150 images, this book delves into the various carrier air wings, the aircraft, such as the F/A-18 and E2 variants, and the training that together make US Naval Aviation the force it is today. It describes the developments of the West Coast bases over the past decade, the successes the United States Navy has achieved, and the methods used to further standardize and optimize the fleet.
£15.29
Key Publishing Ltd Rail Freight: London and the South East
Exploring the rail freight operations in London and the South East, this book details the traction, rolling stock, terminal facilities and infrastructure over the past several decades.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd English Medieval Armies: 1066-1337
After the Norman conquest of 1066, the English lands gradually lost their Saxon character and became much more similar to continental Europe than previously; feudalism was brought to the British Isles by the Normans, together with a new model of centralized monarchy, thus changing the administrative and social structures of England forever. After a few decades, however, the new royal family initiated by William the Conqueror disappeared due to the lack of direct heirs and thus the Kingdom of England entered a chaotic phase characterised by civil conflicts, as well as by the search for a new royal house that could assume control over the turbulent English lands. This historical period, known as 'The Anarchy', began in 1135 and ended only in 1154, when the first Plantagenet was crowned as monarch of the English realm. The new royal family would have kept power over its kingdom for more than three centuries, until the outbreak of the War of the Roses. During this long period, the Plantagenet kings fought a series of conflicts, which can be grouped into three main categories: wars fought against the French monarchy in continental Europe, wars fought in the British Isles against the 'Celtic nations' (Wales, Scotland and Ireland) and civil conflicts fought in England against rebel aristocrats. This book pays special attention to the wars fought by England against Wales, Scotland and Ireland; at the same time, it provides a detailed overview of the 'minor' conflicts that saw the Plantagenet monarchs campaigning in France. This book will cover the history, organization and equipment of the English armies that fought the many wars of the early Plantagenet period.
£15.29
Key Publishing Ltd Douglas DC-8
Excluding military variants, sales of the Boeing 707's family of large jet airliners are about double those of their nearest rival, the Douglas DC-8; yet, with nearly four hundred of all Douglas DC-8 variants ordered, the DC-8 design is far from being overshadowed from Boeing at Renton. The Douglas DC-8, which began life in the 1950s as the Douglas Model 1881, became available to the airliners about a year later than the first Boeing 707's, but from the outset Douglas regarded this time lag as an advantage rather than otherwise. In particular, it determined that safety and performance standards should be maintained without loss of flying qualities, and, unlike Boeing, was able to persue its design unhampered by consideration of military requirements. A total of 556 Douglas DC-8s were built. Some DC-8s are still in service, their airframe life is excellent, and some are re-engining with the CFM56 turbofan, giving efficient propulsion and much higher flight performance; the re-engined aircraft will be styled as 70 series. This book, which features images that have never been published before, explores the history of the DC-8 and those who made it the success it still is today.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Vampire
Successful aircraft manufacturer de Havilland began design development of the Vampire in 1941, to assess the feasibility of jet propulsion as a means of powering fighter aircraft. Rolling off the production line too late to see action in World War Two, this jet fighter was a popular aircraft in operational squadrons. Easy to fly, maintain and build, unprecedented numbers of orders followed. The Vampire quickly found its niche as a ground-attack aircraft and remained at the forefront of RAF service until the early 1950s when it assumed an advanced training role. Alongside its development, the Sea Vampire, Venom and Sea Venom adopted specific roles for the armed services, the latter two achieving a new company designation. Many were still in service decades after they were manufactured. This new book edition of Aeroplane Icons: Vampire charts the development of de Havilland's Vampire through the design and development stages of its lifespan.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Lockheed Constellation
While many airliners from the Second World War have either disappeared completely or only survived as remnants in a museum, approximately 55 Constellations out of the 856 built still survive today, and two of them, both C-121s, are airworthy. A real head turner, the Connie' raised the bar in both performance, economy and passenger comfort and can arguably be described as one of the most beautiful airliners ever built. The Lockheed Constellation was an aircraft that broke the mould when it came to early airliner design. The standard approach of a straight, tubular fuselage and a conventional tail and wing arrangement is still the tried and tested configuration of all airliners to this day. The US military's enthusiasm also helped to advance the development of the Constellation which, in turn, benefitted civilian airlines with the arrival of the Super Constellation and the definitive variant, the Starliner, which sadly came too late to make a huge impression as, from the mid-1950s onwards, the trend swung rapidly towards jet power. With the arrival of the jet, Constellations were replaced by the major operators although a number remained in passenger service into the late 1960s, and the last passenger-carrying flight did not take place until 1978 in the Dominican Republic. Delve into the story of this beautiful aircraft with this fully illustrated history.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd High Desert Deployment: Navy Colour on Display on NAS Fallon
Since its establishment during World War Two, Navy squadrons have been deployed to the high desert outside of Fallon, Nevada, to hone their aerial combat skills. Today, Naval Air Station Fallon, with its 14,000 ft runway - the longest in the Navy - hosts squadrons and carrier air wings conducting refresher training and work-ups prior to their next fleet assignments. High Desert Deployment explains how these deployments make, and keep, the squadrons combat ready. Stunning images show the colorful history of various squadrons along with the markings the aircraft display. The popular CAG-birds that fly the squadron's colors into battle are shown in all their glory. The local base aircraft of NAS Fallon are also profiled, including the famous aggressor ""Bandits,"" as well as the aircraft used to train Top Gun crews. Also, the base features an extensive air park collection of past aircraft including several MiG fighters, as well as gate guards that honor the aircraft history of the US Navy. High Desert Deployment highlights the aircraft that are such a vital part in the war on terror, the ones that are, at this time, deployed around the world to project power to maintain our freedom.
£18.99
Key Publishing Ltd Lockheed SR-71
The SR-71 Blackbird was a high-altitude, long-range Lockheed reconnaissance black' jet that emerged during the 1960s. It was produced under tremendous secrecy and initially flown from areas away from public gaze. It was stationed in the USA but plied its trade from a handful of selected sites worldwide. SR-71 missions were flown by the USAF, but often on behalf of other agencies, with it frequently gathering intelligence for the Navy against maritime targets in the Soviet Arctic. Unfortunately, the Blackbird was unpopular with the fighter' and bomber' generals, who were not privy to its outstanding intelligence gathering capability, and the staggering operating costs were such that eventually it lost support within the USAF and succumbed to budgetary constraints. Illustrated with over 160 illustrations, this book will detail the operations, select missions and the colour schemes/markings of this amazing aircraft.
£14.39
Key Publishing Ltd Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command (SAC) was the pre-eminent military actor in US nuclear policy from start to the end of the Cold War. Its early years saw the introduction of new aircraft and early ballistic missiles, while after the Cuban Missile Crisis, there was a period of force consolidation with the it being dominated by the B-52 and the KC-135; this period also saw the introduction of second-generation missiles. The late 1960s and early1970s saw the bomber force involvement in Vietnam and the introduction of the FB-111A. This was followed by a period of stability in the 1980s, when SAC readiness reached its peak. Illustrated with over 180 photographs, this book looks at the aircraft, operations, people and locations of SAC, from its early history through to the end of the Cold War. It looks at new equipment, the importance of SAC strategic reconnaissance aircraft (RB-29, RB-45, RB-50, U-2/TR-1, SR-71, B-47 and RC-135), SAC readiness programmes (ORI), and its command and control mechanisms.
£16.99
Key Publishing Ltd Class 66: 3/4/7/8
This second volume to cover the Class 66 takes a look at the Fastline/Direct Rail Services/Colas-operated Class 66/3/4/8/7 locos that were delivered during the mid to late 2000s. This was a time when most of the current locos in use with Freightliner and English Welsh & Scottish (EWS) were Class 66s and were tried and tested as reliable locos. Direct Rail Services closely followed EWS and Freightliner and very soon it ordered one batch, then another, then another, until the total was 34. However, DRS later sold the first 20 locos to both GB Railfreight and Freightliner and were left with just 14 locos that they continue to operate to the present day (late 2021). Production numbers of the Class 66/3 only totalled five locos and lasted only a short while (2008-2010) when these five were taken on by DRS. The Class 66/8s also only numbered five locos and these supplement the Class 70s on various work around the UK. This volume covers the locos from their early days up to the present time at various locations around the UK, with a special focus towards the south and its beautiful landscapes.
£15.99
Key Publishing Ltd Restoring Glory
This book showcases over 150 images of some of the best restored World War Two aircraft that have been made airworthy again. The history, specifications, and war stories of these aircraft are covered, as well as the restoration efforts of the various museums and private owners. For reader's ease, aircraft will be given its own chapter. Aircraft covered include the P-51 Mustang, F6F Hellcat, B-25 Mitchell, P-39 Airacobra, C-47 Skytrain and many more. Delve into this richly detailed look at the deserving aircraft that have been rightfully restored to their former glory.
£16.19
Key Publishing Ltd HSTs: Around Britain, 1990 to Present
For almost 50 years, High Speed Trains (HSTs) have been the mainstay for express services for many operators in the UK. While they were used extensively by British Rail - even being dubbed the saviour of British Rail' - these trains have been used by other operators as well, including East Coast, Midland Mainline, and Virgin CrossCountry. However, following their mass withdrawal in 2018-19, when the Hitachi bi-mode units came on the scene, many of the HSTs were put into storage, or, sadly, scrapped altogether. Fortunately, not everyone followed suit. Some operators have been reconsidering their potential in recent times. Colas Rail acquired some to use as test trains operated for Network Rail, and Locomotive Services Ltd have two dedicated charter sets that are used throughout the UK. Illustrated with over 230 images, this book follows on from HSTs: The Western Region. It shows HSTs over the past 20-30 years, in numerous UK locations, highlighting why they have served so long and why they should be saved.
£15.99