Overview

When it was originally published, Hugh Longworth's definitive record of every steam locomotive operated by British Railways from nationalisation until the end of steam traction on the network in 1968 was very much welcomed as it provided for the first time in one place a detailed and accurate source of reference on this important subject. With the book having been out of print for some time, a new and revised edition was overdue. However, the extent of the revisions, which included the book's many photographs being given more space on the page and the use of enlarged and enhanced locomotive drawings, greatly increased the size of the work. Rather than attempt to cut or dilute the content, it was decided that instead of publishing one unwieldy and expensive book, a more realistic approach was to present the work in two volumes of roughly similar size. This is the first of these and focuses on the GWR and LNER locomotives which became part of BR stock in 1948. The second book, due towards the end of 2025, will cover Southern and LMS locos and the Standard classes introduced by BR. The entry for each class provides essential information including the size of cylinders and driving wheels, boiler pressure, weight, the type of valve gear used, the year the class was introduced and its tractive effort. For each locomotive in a class, its date and place of construction and withdrawal and scrapping dates are given, as are details of any renumberings that may have occurred during the BR era. Heavily illustrated throughout, this book and its companion volume will be of great value to all interested in the steam era on British Railways. All classes that were on BR's books in the years post 1948 are covered, and whilst the overwhelming majority of the locos featured are standard gauge, the few narrow gauge locomotives operated by BR are also included.

Full Product Details

9781800353220

Table of Contents

Reviews

It is easily readable due to the excellent quality of the printing. The information contained is available in other publications but never before all in a single volume. For anyone with an interest in the British Railways steam era this would be a most welcome addition to the bookshelf. Recommended. -- David Woodward * LNER Society Newsletter * Hugh Longworth's enormous compilation is no train spotter's pocket book, but it is a heavyweight mine of information for anyone wishing to seek it out. -- Martin Higginson * Friends of the National Railway Museum * I can recommend the book to enthusiasts wanting a comprehensive listing of the locomotives which ran during the BR period. -- John New * The Journal of The Stephenson Locomotive Society * Since I reviewed the first volume in 2005 the presentation of the body of knowledge has expanded considerably and the author has taken the decision to produce the work in two volumes, the first covering the GWR and LNER [...] I know, from my own experience, having written two much smaller volumes which were a combination of personal reminiscences, that books of this type can be invaluable for checking data and jogging our memories to check the accuracy of our own recall. I have collected a number of books on my shelves covering a wide series of topics but one in which you can quickly locate what you want is invaluable, if you have a strong desk to hold it up! [...] Highly recommended. -- Geoff Bannister * The Railway Observer *

It is easily readable due to the excellent quality of the printing. The information contained is available in other publications but never before all in a single volume. For anyone with an interest in the British Railways steam era this would be a most welcome addition to the bookshelf. Recommended. -- David Woodward * LNER Society Newsletter *

Author Information

A lifelong railway enthusiast, Hugh began trainspotting in Liverpool in 1969. As a teenager he started keeping detailed lists of locomotives and rolling stock, and these developed into the series of books has written. He specialises in creative ways of presenting complicated and detailed topics. Hugh studied Computer Science at University College London in 1976-79 and then moved on to a varied career in computing, and Christian ministry. He currently works in the computer gaming industry as a technical writer, and is a regular preacher in his local church in Liverpool.

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