Best of
Railways

2012

The Great Railroad Revolution: The History of Trains in America


Christian Wolmar - 2012
    The opening of the Baltimore & Ohio line––the first American railroad––in the 1830s sparked a national revolution in the way that people lived thanks to the speed and convenience of train travel. Promoted by visionaries and built through heroic effort, the American railroad network was bigger in every sense than Europe’s, and facilitated everything from long-distance travel to commuting and transporting goods to waging war. It united far-flung parts of the country, boosted economic development, and was the catalyst for America’s rise to world-power status.Every American town, great or small, aspired to be connected to a railroad and by the turn of the century, almost every American lived within easy access of a station. By the early 1900s, the United States was covered in a latticework of more than 200,000 miles of railroad track and a series of magisterial termini, all built and controlled by the biggest corporations in the land. The railroads dominated the American landscape for more than a hundred years but by the middle of the twentieth century, the automobile, the truck, and the airplane had eclipsed the railroads and the nation started to forget them.  In The Great Railroad Revolution, renowned railroad expert Christian Wolmar tells the extraordinary story of the rise and the fall of the greatest of all American endeavors, and argues that the time has come for America to reclaim and celebrate its often-overlooked rail heritage.

Bradshaw's Continental Railway Guide (Old House Books)


George Bradshaw - 2012
    All the original text is included, along with a wealth of carefully selected examples from the several hundred pages of timetables and advertisements.* Following its bestselling edition of Bradshaw’s Handbook 1863, Old House brings you this fascinating guide to Europe’s rail network on the very brink of the First World War. Published in 1913, it is divided into three sections: timetables for services covering the continent, short guides to each city and notable destination and features, and a wealth of advertisements and ephemeral materials concerning hotels, restaurants and services that might be required by the early twentieth century traveller by rail. It affords a fascinating glimpse of fin de siècle Europe and of a transport network that was shortly to be devastated by the greatest war the world had ever seen.

Railway Days Out


Julian Holland - 2012
    The recent growth of preserved railways, railway museums, and main line steam activity has been phenomenal. Railway Days Out is a practical guide to more than 340 restored railways, museums, and steam events enjoyed by millions of people—an important part of Britain's heritage and tourism industry. The book's handy format and clear layout make it an ideal traveling companion and reference book for the families and railway enthusiasts alike.

British Steam: Br Standard Locomotives


Keith Langston - 2012
    The railway infrastructure had suffered badly during the war years and most of the steam locomotives were 'tired' and badly maintained and or life expired. Although the management of British Railways was already planning to replace steam power with diesel and electric engines/units they still took a decision to build more steam locomotives (as a stop gap). Some 999 (yes just 1 short) Standard locomotives were built in 12 classes ranging from super powerful express and freight engine to suburban tank locomotives. The locomotives were mainly in good order when the order came in 1968 to end steam, some only 8 years old.There still exists a fleet of 46 preserved Standards of which 75% are in working order in and around the UKs preserved railways, furthermore 3 new build standard locomotives are proposed. Steam fans who were around in the 1960s all remember the 'Standards'.

British Railways in the 1950s and 60s


Greg Morse - 2012
    The next decade brought line closures, new liveries and the last breath of steam, as Doctor Beeching and his successors strove to break even and build a new business from the old. From Britannia to the Blue Pullman, Evening Star to Inter-City, Greg Morse takes us through this turbulent twenty-year period, which started with a poor bag of assets and ended with BR poised to launch the fastest diesel-powered train in the world.

Flying Scotsman Manual: An Insight into Maintaining, Operating and Restoring the Legendary Steam Locomotive


Philip Atkins - 2012
    Here is a unique perspective on what is involved in maintaining, operating and restoring this Class A3 Pacific, the first steam locomotive to achieve 100mph. This highly detailed manual, based around 4472’s recent overhaul and subsequent return to main-line operation, also looks in detail at every aspect of its engineering and construction, providing a feast of information and insight.

Railway Atlas Then & Now. Paul Smith and Keith Turner


Paul Smith - 2012
    It includes information about the railway lines that have been closed and converted into either walking or cycling routes.

Basic Model Railroad Benchwork


Jeff Wilson - 2012
    Includes line drawings and lots of colored photos. Book 104 pages.

Steam Locomotive Driver's Manual: The step-by-step guide to preparing, firing and driving a steam locomotive


Andy Charman - 2012
    It is often said that steam locomotives appear to be living machines, casting a spell over spectators young and old, from lifelong steam enthusiasts to those witnessing live steam for the first time. This extensively illustrated manual provides a fascinating practical insight into the hard work, knowledge and skills required to safely drive a steam loco. The unique Haynes Manual approach, marrying the engaging text with step-by-step photographs and fascinating illustrations, puts the reader firmly on the footplate to experience the raw power and energy of a steam locomotive in action.

Railway Posters


Lorna Frost - 2012
    Railway posters not only tell us about railway history and technology, architectural and engineering accomplishments, but they also give us insights into the cultural and social significance of the railways. The influence of the railway industry on our cities and coastlines and the development of leisure time and holiday resorts can be seen in the recurring images of ramblers, bathers and idyllic tourist destinations. This book explores the changing styles and functions of the railway poster from the early pre-grouping days through to the inter-war 'golden age', World War Two and the nationalised British Railways.